" The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” (Exodus 17:2)
There is something about a journey that always makes me thirsty. Somewhere along the way, I need to stop and get a drink of some kind. It used to be a soda, but now it more likely will be iced tea or coffee.
I understand the Israelite's complaint. Give us water on the surface isn't an unreasonable request. But it is the way in which they ask, perhaps the tone of voice that turns it from a request to a quarrel.
As a parent I knew the difference between a need and a nag. And so did Moses. He also tried to get the people to understand that nagging him was actually testing God. Did they not believe that God could and in fact would give them what they needed? Apparently not.
And do we know the difference between needing something and wanting something? When we ask what is the tone of our voice, what lies deep within our hearts?
Blessings,
Ed
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