Pilot Knob Lutheran Complaining Spirit 2/1/2023
When outside there is something we do not need to fear this time of the year. During the spring when the sun is warm, the snow has receded, the ground has thawed and life bursts forth after a long cold winter it is not uncommon when walking through the grass, flower bed or garden to see a legless reptile slithering away. For many the sight of a snake strikes fear and panic in their minds. Even though garter snakes are harmless, how might you respond to a dangerous snake such as a cobra, rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin or coral snake. Any of those would catch our attention.
The bible talks about snakes or serpents and one such place is Numbers 21. The Hebrew nation had left Egypt and were no longer slaves. But while living in the desert they encountered venomous snakes that began to bite leaving their victim to a slow painful death. For forty years they lived in the desert while God provided food, water, and protection. The snakes were always there, so why at one point would they begin attacking the Hebrew people?
Several reasons stand out, but the main reason was they were unthankful for the care that God provided every day and they focused on the things they did not have. Numbers 21:4b-5 The people grew impatient on the way;they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” Complaining was a reoccurring problem with the Hebrew nation. Psalm 78 chronicles their problems. As a result, God allowed poisonous snakes to inflict pain and death. When they finally acknowledged their sin, their ungrateful attitude and unfaithfulness, they cried out to Moses for God to take away the serpents, but God did not, instead he told Moses to do something about it. Do you know what that was? I will explain more next week.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 1, 4:30 confirmation.
Thursday 2, 10:00 quilting
February 5, 9:00 AM Morning worship and Holy Communion. Sermon: Are You a Witness?
10:15 Sunday school.
Annual meeting February 12, 10:25 AM.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
