Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:9

I can’t help but wonder how much comfort Joshua experienced knowing that the children of Israel were going to heed him as they did Moses. Didn’t the Israelites grumble and murmur against Moses at least as much as the heeded him? While it was still Moses’ sin to become angry with the people (leading them to believe God was angry with them—but was not!) didn’t the people’s complaining prompt Moses to be so angry?

Now Joshua was to lead people who would follow him as they followed Moses. Great!

Lest we cluck our tongues and wag our heads at “those Israelites,” doesn’t the Church often act similarly? Consider Acts 6:1, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews…”

The fact is, how much murmuring, grumbling, and complaining does our perfectly loving Heavenly Father have to hear from us? And I use the word “us,” not merely referring to “His people,” but to you and me. Okay then, just me?

Father forgive me for my complaining as though everything should follow my script. Lead me in the paths of contentment, rejoicing, and thankfulness.