God’s mission statement from Gen. 12 has finally been put into action–a new nation has been released from bondage to Egypt and sent to be a blessing to all nations on earth (Ex. 15, 16, 17). Having emerged from their baptism in the Red Sea, God’s people take their first steps in this exciting mission. They have every reason for confidence and conviction–their God has just defeated the most powerful army, political machine, and religion on earth.
Yet their first steps into mission are mis-steps. Their first stance is one of complaining. In Ex. 15:21 the women are singing “[The LORD] has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.” But three days and three verses later we read, “Then the people complained and turned against Moses.” They complain about lack of water. They complain about lack of food. They complain about lack of water–again.
Mission is never easy, especially a grand mission like God’s. We are reminded daily how much larger the mission is than us, a mission that simply could not be done if God were not part of it. We’re frequently faced with circumstances for which we feel unprepared. We’re commonly forced outside our comfort zone. We often face a mission-day feeling under-resourced.
And frankly, I’m usually the first one to complain. I complain about the people who “just don’t get it”–that is, the mission. I complain about having to slog through meeting after meeting after meeting just to get the church to take the next baby-step in the mission. I complain about not having enough funds or volunteers or time to do what really needs doing. I complain about the people who are complaining!
Perhaps the story of our brothers and sisters who left Egypt for the greatest mission ever given should cause us all to pause. Let’s not complain. Let’s not gripe. Let’s not moan. Let’s press ahead, certain that a God who can split the Sea can tackle whatever obstacle we’re facing today.
