Moaning and Groaning in Lent

Do you find yourself complaining often? Jeff connects the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness, filled with complaints against Moses, God, and their circumstances, with our own potential for complaint during the 40 days of Lent. Jeff encourages us to transform complaints into moments of trust and gratitude. 

Snippet from the Show

Am I a complainer looking for a problem, or am I a disciple helping Jesus solve problems?

Shownotes

The Israelites' Complaints in their 40 Years in the Wilderness (Exodus 5- Numbers 21)

The Israelites' complaints were centered around provisions (water and food), leadership (Moses' leadership), and unfulfilled expectations of God.

1. (Moses) The people complained to Moses that because of him, Pharaoh made things worse for them – Exodus 5:1-22.
2. (Moses) The people complained about their situation and said to Moses, “Let us alone” – Exodus 14:11-12.
3. (Water) The people complained about the bitter water – Exodus 15:22-23.
4. (Food) The people complained about being hungry; God gives them Manna – Exodus 16:1-4.
5. (Water) The people complained about being thirsty – Exodus 17:1-4.
6. (God) The people forsake the Lord and worship the golden calf at
   Mt. Sinai – Exodus 32:28.
7. (Food) The multitude of rabble-rousers along with the people of God,
   complained about food – Numbers 11:1-4.
8. (Moses) Miriam and Aaron complain about Moses’ leadership – Numbers 12:1-1
9.  (God) The people complained about how difficult it looked to conquer the giants in Canaan, so they refused to enter the Promised Land  – Numbers 14:1-10.
10. (Moses) The people continued to complain and wanted to kill Moses and find a new leader –Numbers 14:10.
11. (Moses) Leaders rebel against Moses – Numbers 16.
12. (Moses) The people complained again, believing that Moses was trying to kill God’s people – Numbers 16:41.
13. (Moses) The people complain to Moses about water again, this time with terrible results for Moses- Numbers 20:1-5.
14. (God)The people complained against God and Moses, resulting in the fiery serpents – Numbers 21:4-5.

Reflection Exercise

What areas of your life do you think you complain about more?

• Marriage
• Work
• Money
• Children
• Politics
  
• Extended Family
• Neighbors
• Food
• Health/Wellness

Who in your life would you be most fearful of if you were to ask them about your whining ways?

Ask Jesus, “Am I a complainer looking for a problem, or am I a disciple helping you to solve problems? As you pray about this, focus on what it is about your relationship with the Lord that is making room for your Lenten complaining. I’ll do the same!

Resources

• Email us at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com
• Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Jeff’s shownotes email list
• Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
• The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition