By the Rev. Dr. Linda F. Bell
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for Proper 21, Year B
September 29, 2024
Key verse: “But now our strength is dried up and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” -Numbers 11: 6
When we complain, complain, complain the Lord hears us in our complaining. Oftentimes congregations are prone to find something to complain about. They remember how things used to be and they want the same things to continue. Oftentimes they forget how the Lord, “brought them a might long way.” Oftentimes we forget to thank the Lord for the things provided, even though we could not perceive them.
God brought us through COVID, illnesses, loss of loved ones, loss of employment, reduced health care, rising food prices, loss of tithes and offerings. And somehow the lights stayed on, the oil /gas bill was paid.
Attendance dropped and still some congregations survive in what may be considered desert places.
These are trying times. In our humanness we tend to forget the goodness of God that has been showered upon us. We are blessed, and somehow the blessedness gets lost among things that separate us from God. Yet, God loves us anyway through the complaining and provides what is needed. It is important to give God praise for overflowing blessings.
The Old Testament reading lends itself for a sermon that would address human nature’s tendency to complain – a tendency that has intensified in our North American culture. Preachers can remind folks to complain less and trust God more.
In Numbers, Moses grows weary of the Israelites’ whining, which goes back to Exodus 16:2: “The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” When the people complain they have nothing to eat, and God provides manna. Now they complain because they’re tired of manna. Moses then complains to God because the people are complaining to him.
In doing so, Moses goes to the only source that can fix the complaining. Moses goes to God. Who provides once again. We are not told whether the congregation thanks God. Interestingly, God takes some of Moses’ power and puts it on 70 elders to prophesy.
Spiritual power is given to those who are faithful. At ordinations and installations of rostered leaders, candidates are asked if they accept the responsibilities of ministry. The response is, “I will and I ask God to help me.” At the same time, congregations are asked if they will support the one being installed or ordained, the response is, “We will and we ask God to help us.” Therefore, the ministry of the church lies not only with the pastor, but also with members. Congregations have been given a spiritual power to serve God and community. However, sometimes members chose to complain instead of using their God-given power for the benefit of the community. There lies one of the problems that faces us today. How do we turn things around?
During my time as “stated supply” pastor in my home congregation, my focus has been for members to leave Zoom worship and to join those who are faithfully worshiping in person. I stressed over and over that we are a “family,” and family does not let each other down but continues to uplift the church and each other by our presence. It worked for some. Some came back and wanted to be part of the increase. Some still choose to stay home because are comfortable being home instead of in community with the congregation. Instead of using their spiritual power they complain by the absence of their presence.
God’s power did move and stir up a desire for some to return to church and to be part of the spiritual revival that is needed to save the church. One returning member started Sunday School, though she had no prior experience. Why? Because a little girl told her she “wanted to go to Sunday School.” Now there are six in Sunday School, and they didn’t want to take a summer break. If our children want to go to Sunday School, someone must bring them. It’s like a domino effect. Christian growth causes more growth.
Jesus made a promise. Prior to His ascension Jesus tells his disciples that they would be “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). In Acts 1:8a Jesus tells them, “When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will be witnesses in Jerusalem.” And then in Chapter 2, the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit shows up – and in a mighty grand way.
There’s no need to complain. The Almighty hears the cries of the beloved and shows up. And God’s power has been given to us. It then becomes our faithful responsibility to use that power in worship in thanksgiving for a love that cannot be compared. We remember God has clothed us with the power of righteousness to move forward and not back. When we come together, God has given us the power to succeed and not to complain.
In worship
There’s a gospel hymn titled, “I Won’t Complain.”
Some of the lyrics are: ”I’ve had some good days. I’ve had some hills to climb. I’ve had some weary days. And some sleepless nights. But when I look around and think things over. All of my good days outweigh my bad days. I won’t complain… The Lord’s been good to me. Although my weary eyes they can’t see. So, I’ll just say thank you Lord. I won’t complain….”
With children and youth
The community in our Old Testament reading is complaining about the food. Sometimes, things don’t go the way we would like. Sometimes we hear the word “No.”
- Do we complain?
- How do you feel when that happens?
- What do you do when that happens?
- What changes would you like to see?
- Are you willing to compromise?
Prior reflections for Proper 21, Year B:
2015 – Be careful what you ask for
2012 – Rx for broken lives and faltering faith
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