Daily Devotional
The Sin of Murmuring
The camp of God is not ruined first by swords, but by the tongue. In the wilderness the people complained against their lot, despised the bread from heaven, and lusted for what they had left behind. Thus they showed that slavery can remain in a man even after he has been led out of Egypt. The Lord heard, judged, and yet, when Moses prayed, showed mercy. So this chapter teaches both fear and order: fear, lest we make our desires into rebellion; order, lest we think the people of God can be carried without faithful servants.
Moses groaned under the burden, and God did not abolish the burden of leadership but shared it. The Spirit given to Moses was not diminished by being bestowed on the elders. As it is written, “And I will take of the Spirit which is upon you, and will put it upon them.” The gift is from one source, for the good of all. Therefore no one should envy another’s service, and no one should resist those whom God appoints to bear the load with sobriety.
Origen presses the matter of such men: “Choose for yourself presbyters whom you yourself know to be presbyters.” Not every loud voice is wise, nor every eager man fit to guide. The church must honor proven character, and each of us must seek to become such a person: steady in speech, modest in appetite, patient in labor, and obedient under correction.
Israel’s sin began with grumbling and ended in shame. Let us therefore receive daily bread with thanksgiving, restrain wandering appetite, pray for those who lead, and ask not for abundance to consume on our lusts, but for a clean heart that can bear the yoke of God.
“as we observe that it was said by the Lord to Moses, about the seventy elders, And I will take of the Spirit which is upon you, and will put it upon them. Numbers 11:17”
— Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism
“But the Lord also says to Moses, “Choose for yourself presbyters whom you yourself know to be presbyters.” Let us examine very carefully the word of the Lord. What does that addition appear to mean, which says, “Whom you yourself know to be presbyters”?”
— Origen
For Reflection & Discussion
What complaint have you repeated about your food, work, household, or church that you must stop today and confess before God?
How will you practice thanksgiving this day in place of grumbling—at your meals, in your speech, and in prayer at the appointed hours?
Whom will you encourage or help among those who bear burdens in the church, so that you share the load rather than add to it?
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