Introduction
- The same situation can be seen in many different ways.
Israel’s journey
- Exodus from Egypt
- Journey to Sinai
- Israel reaches Elim (Exodus 16:1)
- Departing Sinai to Paran (Numbers 10:11-12)
- Three day journey towards Paran (Numbers 10:33)
Israel’s spiritual journey
- Doubt in deliverance (Exodus 14:11-12)
- Complaint (Exodus 16:2-3)
- More complaint (Exodus 17:1-3)
- Impatience and idolatry (Exodus 32:1)
Turning to us
- Society seems to complain about everything: service, prices, things we have, etc.
A complaining generation:
- Does that describe the Israel in the wilderness?
- Or, does that describe you?
A framework to help us avoid this
- Zoom out
- Numbers 11:1 - The people complain
- Exodus 2:23-25; 3:7 - Israel wanted to leave
- Exodus 16:1-4 - Not a new complaint
- Remember God
- Numbers 11:2 - Moses appeals to God
- Matthew 7:7; Philippians 4:6-7 - The concept of “asking” God
- By going to God, you are seeking help from the One who knows you better than anyone!
- Chew on it
- Numbers 11:4 - Israel continues their cry
- Numbers 11:5-6 - Israel reminisces over Egypt
- Hebrews 10:28-29 - How we may view Jesus’ sacrifice
- James 1:2-3 - A Christian’s attitude during trials
- Is what I’m going through bad enough to warrant sin? Complaint is sin.
Questions to ask yourself
- Am I miserable to be around when things aren’t going right?
- When something goes wrong, who do I go to first?
- Do I complain about things that I ask for?
- Do I ever count my blessings?
- Am I always looking for more?
What did Israel’s complaining accomplish?
- The children of Israel’s overall attitude of compaling and discontent led to:
- Sin
- An extra 38 years in the wilderness (40 total)
- Them never entering the promise land
Again: A complaining generation:
- Does that describe the Israel in the wilderness?
- Or, does that describe you?