Finding Something to Complain About

Scripture: Then Jesus returned from the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, He was hungry. The Devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." But Jesus answered him, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone." Luke 4:1-4

Observation: As commented previously, over and over again the Israelites in the wilderness complained about their food situation (Numbers 11), despite the fact they were being miraculously fed every day. However, after 40 days without food, Jesus actively resists the temptation to eat.

This is, of course, a matter of attitude. The Israelites didn't want food - they had manna, and they had enough herds of goats and cattle. They had grains to make bread. They had eaten their first Passover meal, and had been performing sacrifices. They just wanted to complain against God. They wanted to whine about life in the wilderness, and they chose food - explicitly a variety of food with complementary herbs and vegetables - as their venue for complaint.

Jesus spends 40 days not eating, and when reminded that he has the power to command the universe and create his own food, he resists. Jesus resists explicitly because he has the word of God with him. He has faith and trust. However, mostly he has a right relationship with God whereby he is not going to grumble about petty issues or unknown future conditions, for he knows he will be cared for and he understands what blessing really looks like. Blessing doesn't look like a field of quail, it looks like time in the presence of God and basking in his love.

Application: Today, I will complain about something stupid. I will. It might be my back pain, or the imperfect height of a conference room chair, or some equally trivial matter that has no baring or meaning in the world. I'll complain almost absent-mindedly, simply because I want things different. When I do, I have lost sight of the fact that placing my mental energy to meditating on the word of God would bring me closer to God in relationship, and thus create such a better life for me that nothing else would matter.

Time spent complaining is time not spent thanking. Words grumbled are not words prayed. Thoughts of frustration are not thoughts of hope and joy. My time, words, and thoughts should be used more productively.

Prayer: Lord, may I not be petty in my words and thoughts. In the scope of the world, I should have no complaints, and I should be overflowing with praise and thanks for your love, and for the salvation and grace of Jesus. I seek to keep proper focus, placing your love in front of any earthly matter of no importance. Amen.