I used to think that the Hebrews were a bunch on ingrates for complaining. With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God. God had led them out of slavery, opened up the Red Sea, had sent manna from heaven. It’s almost like the people were saying, “Yeah, but what have you done for me lately.” Now that we are over a year in the restrictions brought about by the pandemic I have shifted from criticizing the people to sympathizing with them. My patience is worn out by the journey too! The solution is the one proposed by the Bible: learn from the one who is “lifted up,” Jesus on the cross. He shows true happiness lies in giving, not getting.
