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ISRAEL MURMURED (EXODUS 16:2-8)

REFLECTION

“Israel murmured” is the theme for our reflection. Murmuring means to complain in low tones, to criticize or grumble about the actions of others. “Israel murmured” means Israel grumbled or complained in low tones to express their displeasure. We shall reflect on the fact that our murmuring or grumbling are signs of anxiety and faithlessness. We must learn to have faith and trust God.

Beloved in the Lord, anxiety and lack of faith are the result of focusing on our challenges rather than having faith in God. We see this fact play out in Exodus 16: 2-8 when the Israelites murmured or grumbled at God instead of having faith and trusting in His divine providence. The Israelites focused on hunger and food which represented the material cravings of humanity rather than having faith and putting their hope and trust in the God who delivered them from bondage in Egypt. Moses said in response to their grumbling “You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.” (Exodus 16:8)  

Dear friend in the Lord, we shall continue to suffer from anxiety and lack of faith if our focus is on the insatiable material things of this world more than God. Jesus came to teach and change our perception from the material to the spiritual because material things do not guarantee our salvation. In contrast to the bread their ancestors ate in the wilderness after they grumbled, Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. (John 6:35-36). In other words, accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour and having an eternal relationship with Him is the sure way to prove that we are focused on the spiritual over the material. Dear friend, is Jesus truly your Lord and Saviour? Do you have faith in Him and are you following His perfect examples and teachings as one who is spiritually marching towards heaven? It is important to note that material things are useful to the flesh but useless to our spirits, no wonder Paul admonished us, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:7). Again, Jesus admonished us, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:36-37). Jesus understands that just as our spirits need salvation or eternal life, our bodies also need material things to survive on earth. However, according to order of importance and priority, He admonished us to focus on the spiritual over the material when He said “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Irrespective of our needs and challenges in this world, we must always demonstrate our faith and trust in the Lord by praying without grumbling or murmuring. The job opportunity, marriage, promotion, financial breakthrough, healing and other desires may not be forthcoming but always remember to “…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23) Let us stop grumbling or murmuring, reflect on the past and present and learn to say with the Psalmist, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalms 23)

In summary, we have discovered that murmuring or grumbling are the sign of anxiety and faithlessness, therefore, we are greatly encouraged to have faith and trust God when we are faced with challenges in life. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith to overcome the temptation to grumble or murmur when faced with challenges. May overcome anxiety and grumbling through the power of prayer and faith and may the will of the Lord be done in our lives. Amen