“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. (Exodus 16:12,13 ESV)
Effective Grumbling
Israel’s God was shockingly generous. Rather than snub the Israelites for their grumbling, God grants their desires. Rather than empower Moses to lecture them on their attitudes, He grants them food, even meat. Rather than ‘teach them a lesson,’ with a grumpy look, and a woodshed visitation, God gave them food, good food.
It seems God was more interested in their love than their instant obedience. It seems God is more interested in displaying patience than enforcing good behavior. It seems God knew them… their real needs, their hunger, their fear, their insecurity. And God gave them what they needed.
Not because they grumbled… but because He desired to help.
Not because they grumbled… but because He is good.
Not because they grumbled… but because He loved.
And God kept doing that, all the way through the cross to the empty tomb.