Deuteronomy 1-3, Psalm 36, Luke 5

Rebellion is such a strong word.  I am no rebel.  I mean, rebels have tattoos and piercings and probably ride motorcycles.  They cause trouble everywhere they go creating arguments, disrespecting authority, and private property.  Rebels are bad actors.  We put people like that in jail.  That’s not me.

It’s true, that is not me.  I am much more covert.  My insurgency is cleverly disguised.  I like to complain, for example.  I complain about the resources I have.  Money is a primary one.  That’s why I cannot give more.  Time is another one.  I’m too busy with my kids and my job to serve.  I just don’t have time!  According to Deuteronomy, complaining is rebellion.  It creates arguments and it disrespects authority.

The Israelites had the same problem.  In Deuteronomy 1, we find them at the threshold of the promised land.  God is ready to fulfill all his promises.  He says, “here you go, come on in.”  But, they refused.  Rather than move, they complained about the Amorites.  “They are too big,” they said.  “They will slaughter us” (Deuteronomy 1:26-27).  They took their focus  off of God, convincing themselves that “God must hate us.”

I wonder what would have happened if the Israelites would have just trusted.  I’m sure it would have been better than they could have ever imagined.  That conclusion creates new problems for me though.  If I know it would have been better for them, doesn’t that mean that it would also be better for me?  There is only one way to find out.  Next time I catch myself complaining, I’ll replace it with trust, gratitude, service and giving.