Questioning the Lord

When the Israeli foreman heard that their people had to now find their own straw to make bricks because of Moses and Aaron, they were fit to be tied. In a confrontation with their spiritual leaders they said they hoped the Lord would judge Moses and Aaron for making their lives miserable. What is Moses to do, now?  We find out quickly as the deliverer of Israel, confused if not downright angry, confronts the Lord. Life is hard, we all know that, and we can learn what to do and what not to do by considering Moses’ reaction. 

“Then Moses turned to the Lord.” Ok, that’s a good start. Moses had just been rebuked by the foremen, but instead of blasting the foremen, he turned to the Lord. Good job, Mo. I admit that when someone is critical with me, my first response is too often to defend myself rather than accept the correction with grace. Moses did not do that but notice what he did: he questioned the great I Am, he complained to him, he even accused him. These appear with words he spoke to God which include, “Why have you, why did you, you have not!” 

His first question for God was, “Why have you done evil to this people?” We know the Lord God cannot do evil. But the same word used here is used in Numbers when Moses said to God, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant?” I don’t think Moses is questioning God’s righteousness, but he is asking that age-old trope, “Why are you allowing bad things to happen to good people?”  The second question is a complaint: “Why did you ever send me?” Moses seems to be making this about himself and questioning God’s wisdom at the same time! I told you I wasn’t the right person to do this and I told you they wouldn’t listen, so… why did you send me in the first place?

The third thing that came out of Moses’ mouth was an accusation: “You have not delivered your people at all.” Moses heard God’s promises and now he is questioning God’s credibility, because God has not followed through and delivered on Moses’ timetable. Wow. I am tempted to ask, “How is Moses not a greasy spot before all those words even finished falling out of his mouth?” Simply this: God is not afraid of our questions. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” 

I also think we see Moses here becoming like that grain of wheat Jesus talked about, falling into the ground to die, so that he could bear much fruit. Moses had to die to himself, his pride, his thinking that he knew best and that this deliverance ministry God gave him should be easier. But no. Life is hard. We all understand that.

Do you have questions? Turn to the Lord. Ask him questions. Search the Scriptures. Life is hard. But there is hope in the Lord, in his word, and in those who know him. Ask people who have walked with the Lord longer than you have who have evidence of good fruit in their lives. Moses didn’t have anybody on the planet like that. But you and I do.

When it comes to our relationship with the Creator of the universe, there really are no dumb questions. Just plenty of dumb and deadly assumptions.