Sermon snippet – Today Is Still Not a Good Time to Complain about the Sermon – Part II
INTRODUCTION – Two weeks ago we looked at the sad and significant subject of murmuring or complaining. As we saw then, political free speech is not part of this problem, for the Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus Himself openly and boldly confronted leaders with their personal and political failures. Furthermore, we are not commanded to politely pay for poor goods and services. For example, Proverbs 11:1 bluntly states, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is His delight.” Inadequate or inappropriate business practices are simply unacceptable to God, and we should not blithely permit or practice them. No, the Biblical teaching about complaining focuses on our relationship with God and our relationships with others. Really, we are determining whether we will be contented or discontented.
- EVIL EASILY EXPANDS
In Luke 5:30 we find the scribes and Pharisees – noted sourpusses – whining about Jesus’ dinner companions instead of rejoicing that at least one of them (Matthew – verse 27) had repented of his corrupt tax-collecting ways. Luke 15:1-2 provides a similar scene of carping critique, with the added grievance – oh, horrors! – that Jesus “received” these needy people. In Luke 19:7, “they all murmured” that He was the guest of Zacchaeus, indicating that even more people were following the negative lead of the Pharisees and scribes. Thus, they could not see the goodness of God in transforming Zacchaeus (verses 8-10). This progression of evil both in intensity and in influence is a sobering example of the outworkings of sin. The sin of murmuring is no exception. Even his closest disciples failed in this area (Mark 14:1-9). Let us be forewarned.
- IF WE ARE TROUBLED, LET US UNBURDEN OURSELVES TO GOD
In Psalm 55:2, David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), seeks comfort and wisdom from God. David’s “complaint” is not about God; it is to Him. David is not questioning God’s goodness; he is seeking answers to troubling questions. The superscription of Psalm 102 tells us that the entire Psalm is a “complaint” from one who is “afflicted” and “overwhelmed.” Likewise, Psalm 142:2 records another “complaint” from David. By going directly to our Lord, we are being honest. He already knows how we feel; we might as well admit our concerns and receive God’s help in understanding and in coping with difficulties and disappointments. Otherwise, we will be tempted to complain about God and become discontented and even bitter.
- LET US RESIST THE WORLD’S WAY
Psalm 144:14 provides an ideal scenario for us, with “no complaining in our streets.”
By taking our concerns directly to God, we are not spreading dissatisfaction to others. Furthermore, we will then be placing our reliance on our God of grace, the Giver of all good things (James 1:17). Moreover, we can provide a better way to those who are driven by discontentment. By comparison, the Christian’s “street” should be a much more pleasant place than the world’s wide and wicked wayfare of wailing worrying.
CONCLUSION – Psalm 144:15 makes it clear that the comforts of contentment are for all “whose God is the LORD.” In New Testament terms, each one of us needs God the Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior. Remember that at the Cross He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” in complaint (Isaiah 53:7). May we trust Him for everlasting salvation, and may we tread in His path of peaceful contentment.