Is it worth it?

Wednesday 16^th August

Read Numbers 11:11-15

“He asked the Lord, ‘Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? ¹² Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? ¹³ Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, “Give us meat to eat!” ¹⁴ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. ¹⁵ If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me right now – if I have found favour in your eyes – and do not let me face my own ruin.’” (NIVUK)

Sin is not just contagious it is demoralising. Have you ever considered the effect your complaints, and even your sin, might have on those called to leadership? We have a tragic picture of the desperation and depression that Moses fell into in response to the wailing and complaining of the people. Although the responsibilities assumed by Moses are far greater than what God actually called him to carry, in the face of complaints sometimes it is hard for leaders to keep their perspective. The people have worn him down so far that even death is preferable, more preferable than complete failure anyway.

Some consider this an example of Moses falling into sin and succumbing to the complaining spirit rampant amongst the people. Perhaps they are right. Though as we will see tomorrow it is Moses’ complaint that Yahweh deals with first. It could just as easily be an example of where one’s complaints should rightly be directed. Whilst the people just complained, most likely to Moses, Moses asked God. He may have asked in a confrontingly honest manner riddled with extreme language and conclusions! But it was directed rightly.

Some complaints are the responsibility of our leaders to deal with. Others are simply a potentially depressing distraction. It is worth prayerfully considering which category any complaints we may have fall into.