Complain, Complain

This morning's lectionary reading from the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 17.1-7) finds us in familiar territory: the Israelites are complaining.  They seem to do this a lot.  One would think they might show a little bit of gratitude to God for leading them out of slavery but that act of grace seems to have been filed away to be forgotten.  Their interest is in what the Almighty can do for them now.  The ingrates!

Before we get too comfortable in our righteous indignation, we would do well to remember that we are as bad as they were.  As individuals, as communities, even the best of find ways to forget what God has done for us and to instead focus on what he has not done.  This seems to be a part of the human condition.  While wanting more, entertaining ambitions, and dreaming dreams can help us as individuals and as a people grow, we would do well to remember the blessings we currently enjoy.

This Lent, let us repent for our ingratitude and pray that God will renew our sense of thankfulness for all he has done, is doing, and most assuredly will do.

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