(Wednesday)
In the reading for today, God outlines for the people how the priests are to be cared for by the people. Supporting the priests (and clergy) is an obligation of the people commanded by God. But that’s not what I want to talk about.
It’s those grumbling Israelites at it again.
So they didn’t have food, God provided manna, they didn’t have meat, God provided quail (until it came out their nostrils). Why do you suppose they would think that God had brought them this far just to let them die of thirst? Oh, what short memories we have. Unfortunately for Moses though, he lets his anger get the better of him. God told him to take the rod and speak to the rock, and yet, Moses strikes the rock with the staff. Moses’ impatience causes him to not be allowed to enter into the promise land. His anger caused him to use his power for his benefit, not God’s. And so his punishment is to not be allowed to enter into the Promised Land.
Our rash behavior, our angry out lashes, can cause many lifelong consequences. When we speak and act in anger, we can hurt those around us, sometimes without realizing the deep scars that are inflicted, physically and/or emotionally. Let’s be very careful not to let our anger control us.
Blessings
PK