This passage reads as though God is an angry, vengeful God. But, as we look deeper, we see that some of the key themes are about perspective, obedience and trust.

The Israelites were grumbling against their Moses and Aaron. How easy it is to grumble! Just look at the response to the leaders of our country in Parliament. Also, how often do we hear of church splits when congregations become unhappy with their leaders?

We live in a complaining culture. “If only….” Is something we all say from time to time. This is not new! The Israelites are saying it too on their journey. It only takes a few people to grumble and it’s easy to be pulled in and start complaining too.

When things go wrong, it’s easy to blame God. Even non-believers will blame God! But, Moses and Aaron stayed positive and kept perspective of their situation. They looked at what God had done and was doing. And they were thankful.

Moses reminds his people that “God is with us”. It’s a short powerful phrase that we need to hang on to in those times when our own perspective on things is skewed. It can bring us back to looking in God’s face. “God is with me”. Trust Him.

God had shown the Israelites many signs and miracles on their journey, but in their grumbling and complaining state they don’t see it! They have stopped trusting and being obedient.

Verse 18: The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.

But…. God also punishes His children. Sounds harsh! But God punishes us because He loves us. What parent doesn’t discipline their child so that they grow up to know how to behave, knowing right from wrong?

In God’s response to the disobedience of the Israelites, He hears the voice of the faithful few; those who have been patient and obedient, trusting that God will protect them. The disobedient Israelites find that the knock-on effects of their behaviour have consequences. Look at today’s world. It seems as though God is not in control, but actually, we look around at, for example, the poverty and misuse of our environment and have to realise that it’s the result of the knock-on effects of a disobedient world.

True repentance is the key; an honest acknowledgement of sin in. We may be impatient when looking for God’s leading, but….thank God He is patient with us!

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FACT: The average person complains between 15-30 times a day. The next time you hear yourself saying “If only….” Just stop and reconsider your perspective. When times are hard, keep repeating “God is with me. I will trust in you”