It seems we live in a world filled with discontent. Literally around every corner of the planet, one may easily find a person who holds a grudge towards someone or something! In many cases, these conflicting viewpoints hold little legitimacy for good. So, what does it mean when one is disgruntled or filled with a desire to grumble in contest against an opposition? It normally bears one of two historical considerations. First, from a Biblical standpoint, grumbling is the act of discontent or complaining, and it bears a lack of trust in God’s goodness and provision. Secondly, some “grumbling” is better understood as groaning or an expression of distress, pain, or longing that is directed toward God. This form of “complaining” is a cry for help and a recognition of difficulty in times of trial, suffering, and distinct understanding of one’s own helplessness.
The first group of complainers lack the faith of our fathers. It only took three days from their deliverance before the agents of contempt cried out against the goodness of God. “Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah” (Exodus 15:23, NKJV). The Bible states, they began to make their “bitter” complaint against God by asking, “What shall we drink?” (Exodus 15:24b). Granted, people need food and water to survive the physical constraints of this life, BUT it was the doubting IN God which constituted the sin. God had proven His mercy and justice before Israel in the dispatching of Pharoah and his armies; would He NOT provide all other protective measures in bringing about His salvation for them in the wilderness also? (Deuteronomy 28:1-15, Psalm 147:3, Jeremiah 33:6, Hosea 6:1, James 5:11-16). Grumbling typically emanates from a selfish motive and one which dishonors the Creator. The second group, the groaners, complaints come up to The Father as a cry out to Him to have mercy and compassion towards them in their grief and unfortunate circumstances. This form of protesting comes up to God in humility and application of the need to rely solely on God as the answer to all this world’s issues, both spiritual and carnal (Deuteronomy 7:12-13). Godly people make a habit of trusting God who WILL acknowledge the groans of those in tribulation and render mercy and intervention as He has always sworn to the faithful, Amen! This mindset is continually an act of waiting and trusting in the Lord.
Which brings us to the duress of our Sisters in Acts 6. Were they “grumblers” or groaners”? Luke records an issue involving benevolence “because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution” (Acts 6:1b). This seems to be a menial matter today in such a nation of plenty, but regardless of the time, this lack of physical and SOMO support among Christians was an obvious and unmitigated negligent! Where is the love! There was an obvious lack of Biblical respect of an ethnic level (Acts 10:34-35). Additionally, there could have been a bias based on gender areas (Ephesians 6:9). Regardless, in original of neglect, God demanded it be quelled! The process negated the naysayer and supported the weak at the same time.
First, they were reminded of Heaven. The reason the Hellenists were there in the first place was because they had been accountable to Christ just as had everyone else (Galatians 3:26-29). Second, ALL of God’s people, especially those in leadership roles, can NEVER lead with biased mindsets where some are elevated and those THEY deem “lesser” are limited in physical and spiritual matters (James 2:1). Finally, isn’t the Church God’s example to the world? The reason why God holds not guilt in the “grumbling” is because He never fails. He understands how sensitive His reputation is to the entirety of the world. What about us? It should be tantamount IN and OUT of the assembly! (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 2:12). Grumbling serves a purpose, but not often is it very godly. Groaning over injustice and longing for Heaven in this present world, should be heard; it is by God, and it should be heard by all those in local leadership as well. Let’s serve the Lord and serve Him wisely as He gives us opportunity. Think about these things and God Bless,
-Archie R. Green
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