Post-Enslavement Grumbling

Exodus 16 starts out: “The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” 
Newly freed Israel now grumbles and wishes that they were back in slavery because at least when they were enslaved they got to eat meat and “all the food [they] wanted.” What they didn’t know was that God had plans to provide for their ‘hangry-selves’--manna and quail was about to rain down from Heaven. They were begging to trade freedom for “food they wanted.”  Admittedly, I get it--on many levels. The thing is--what “was” may have been familiar and somewhat satisfying at times, but it wasn’t great--it was just known. 
We, like the Israelites, will soon be released into “freedom” in various phases from the cage of coronavirus quarantine. And...how long before we start grumbling about life’s circumstances. Some may argue. “No! I won’t. I’ll have a new perspective. I’ll be so thankful.”
Look at the date stamp in Exodus 16. “On the 15th day of the 2nd month” of freedom the Israelites were begging to be enslaved again--for the food.
We are a seemingly never satisfied people--at least not this side of Heaven. The question is: how can we live in contentment in the present? Paul speaks of this in the often quoted letter to the Phillipians. He says, “...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” So, it seems that it’s not that we have strength to do whatever we want through Jesus...we are given strength by Jesus to handle what life’s circumstances bring. Contentment regardless of circumstance. 
Yeah, that’s hard to embrace. It gives me hope that Paul said he had “to learn” to be content. It doesn’t just happen.
Without Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, hearts, and minds, we have the propensity to return to a state of discontent. Kind of like entropy--the inevitable return to chaos. 
However, a little bit earlier in Paul’s letter to the Phillipians, he reminds them:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
What I love about this part of the letter is that it acknowledges that we have wants. God tells us to present those to Him--humbly and with a thankful heart that trusts that just as God provided manna and quail, He will provide for our needs...and even our wants... according to His goodness and omniscience. 
It might be interesting to note that not long after the provision of manna and quail, the Israelites were back to grumbling about being thirsty. 
As we re-enter the “new normal” of post-quarantine life: 
  • may we be aware of our heart's propensity for more OR less in life
  • may we have eyes for the provision of God for our needs and wants 
  • may we strive to learn to be content
  • may we be mindful to be thankful for God’s mercy and tender goodness 
  • may we not fall back into an enslaved lifestyle because it is familiar
  • may we take the opportunity to reset habits and routines that are healthier having had the opportunity to experience a different way of life
What “may we’s” would YOU add?

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