Temptation and Quarrel
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So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people?
-Exodus 17:4
The Israelites had escaped slavery, but they had not yet come to their new land. They were moving forward through the wilderness but there was no end in sight. The life they knew, such as it was, was behind them. But the life that was yet to be was not yet visible. And so naturally, they begin complaining. Moses, who was leading them through this difficult time of transition was losing his patience. What am I supposed to do with these people? They are wearing me out with all their whining.
Hey, back in Egypt we had plenty of water. I’m thirsty!
I miss the leeks and the onions we used to have, remember?
Where are you taking us Moses? When are we going to get there?
I’m tired. I’m hungry. I’m THIRSTY!
Did you drag us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock?
God heard and then answered Moses’ plea. God told Moses to take his staff and strike a certain rock. Cool, clear sparkling spring water poured out of the rock, comforting them and tamping down their dissent. Moses named that spot Massah and Meribah, which means, “Temptation and quarrel.” This was not the only time the people complained so much God had to placate them on that long journey, but it is the one that is referenced in other Scripture passages that warn people not to harden their hearts like our ancesters did that day in Meribah and Massah (check out verse 8 of our psalm for this Sunday, for example).
It’s tempting to wonder what was wrong with those people. I mean - they used to be slaves in Egypt and harshly oppressed. Their lives were not at all as rosy as their nostalgic memories. The Egyptians had demanded more and more out of them, giving them fewer and fewer resources to comply with their demands. Pharaoh was intentionally making their lives miserable. They had been at the breaking point when Moses had bravely answered God’s call to face off with Pharaoh to finally get them freed.
Yes, it would be easy to wonder what was wrong with them not to be grateful and hopeful at the miraculous liberation God had provided for them, but we understand all too well about rose colored glasses, and about being ‘hangry’ and grouchy, and about forgetting to be grateful. In the strange era of transition in which we are living, we have many opportunities to complain and whine in the same way today:
When is this pandemic ever going to end?
Isn’t winter over yet? More snow??
My favorite restaurant closed due to short staffing! Why don’t people want to work anymore?
My flight was cancelled! What is wrong with these airlines?
Things are just changing too much and too fast these days!
Remember when everyone was doing well and there was no hatred or conflict among us?
When we are tempted to complain, cause strife or quarrel, let’s remember what Moses did. He went to God to ask for help. The Israelites did get what they needed, despite it being different than what they wanted. And we will too, even if it is not the exact help we’d had our hearts set on.
Much of life is lived wandering around in some kind of wilderness, not knowing what will come next. Life has its moments of being a well watered garden, sure, but we also have our share of dry, threatening deserts - some of us more than others. But we are never alone, and for that, the faithful response is gratitude and trust. We don’t have to put God to the test by complaining and quarreling. Just ask, as Jesus once taught. Ask and you shall receive. God will provide you with what you most need.
