March 06, 2020
It’s never a good idea. Its source is always pride and shows an incredible ingratitude. And, it is not ignored by God.
AGAINST THE LEADERS
Often, among God’s people, grumblers will begin with gossip and slander against the leaders. This happened in Moses day as a group of men stood up and basically said, “Who made you boss over us? We should be the leaders!” (see Numbers 16).
A LEADER’S RESPONSE
Moses’ immediate response was prayer. He went to God to lay his concerns before the ultimate Judge. God came in the next hours and opened up the ground and swallowed the rebels up. That would silence a few grumblers!
It is important to know that these proud men were, in reality, not grumbling against Moses, but against God Himself.
But the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me … (Numbers 17:10)
How do you deal with a grumbler? You don’t ignore it (God doesn’t), but you cry out to God, confront if God so leads, and then trust God to take care of them.
If you are grumbling, take note. Repent of your rebellion against the Lord and bow in humility before Him. Every good and perfect gift you have came from Him (James 1:17). Your very life and breath is because of His grace. Give Him what He deserves.
If you are grumbling against God’s chosen leader, beware. There may be consequences more than you realize.
And, if you are the object of someone’s unrighteous grumbling, cry out to God and graciously confront if needed. But most important, trust your case to the great Judge. He will make needed corrections.
Lord, help me not to be a grumbler. Deliver me from this level of pride and ingratitude. And, when I am the object of gossip and slander, let me see the “kernel of truth” and adjust. And then, give me grace to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023
