Grumbly Controllers

We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” Numbers 11:5-6

Easily do we consider the menu set before us in this scripture passage, but the key may lie in that one word, freely. We recall from the verses that manna had rules to go along with it. Gather only as needed each day, twice on the day before the sabbath, and keep none overnight. This spokesperson for the Israelites isn't above a little hyperbole as he complains that their whole being is dried up. It appears unlikely to us that God would have provided food that dried up the Israelites, so what must the real grumbly complaint be? It is that one word, freely. They want to be the ones calling the shots on their eating. Chafing at doing what God wants and no longer rejoicing in what He has provided, they bring an overblown complaint to Moses: 'We want to eat what we want and when we want it!' It is about control, same as with Adam and Eve and that forbidden tree.

So, when we pray this day, will it be one acknowledging God's will or one grumbling that our will isn't being done?

Love to you in Christ our Lord!

Bucky