Numbers 21:4-7a (NRSV)
Read Numbers 21:4-7a on biblegateway.com
Verse 4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. Verse 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food." Verse 6Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. Verse 7The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people.
Devotion
Everyone grumbles from time to time. Today’s text invites us to reflect on what such complaints mean when they are voiced against God. If we peek at earlier verses in Numbers it is clear that God has been faithfully attending to the needs of the people, hearing their cries and providing for their welfare. Notice that discouragement comes in the midst of the journey. While we may not have encountered poisonous serpents, we too may be brought up short when we glimpse our own disgruntled spirits. What are you learning about your own frustration and disappointment this Lent?
Prayer
God of grace and mercy, help us see that you are actively involved in our lives. Quiet our complaints with the assurance that you know all we need to thrive in this world. We remember those who are bitter and frightened by life’s disappointments. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.