Jul
24
Epic Meltdown
Filed Under Devotional
There are days when I wonder how I became responsible for so much. Those days are when something unpleasant is happening and I’m responsible for dealing with it. I’ve had to deliver the bad news during layoffs. I’m not the one who made the decision, but I get to be the representative that carries the ill tidings. Or, I’m the only adult in the room when someone starts bleeding. It’s not that I don’t want to help, it just isn’t fun. I start to wonder how I got there and became responsible over so much more than I planned.
So, I felt deep sympathy for Moses when all of Israel started whining about the monotonous menu of manna:
“Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 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? 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 forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now - if I have found favor in your eyes - and do not let me face my own ruin.” Numbers 11:10-15
This is an epic complaint. Moses starts with “Why did you put me in this position anyway? What did I ever do to you?” and moves on to “These aren’t my kids! Why should I have to take care of them?” and ends with “Where will I find that much meat, anyway? Kill me now!”
Moses goes on later to even doubt that God can provide that much food. God replies:
“The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” ” Numbers 11:23
And, of course, God goes on to provide more than they can stand.
I learned two things from this: First, God will provide when you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Second, never doubt God.
Moses melted down. God picked him back up and kept on using him. During this process, God taught Moses to never doubt Him again. We should learn the same lesson now.