Grumbling about Leaders (Num 21 & 1 Cor 10:9)

In the US, we all feel VERY entitled to our thoughts and opinions, and we too often make ourselves free to share them – whether they be good or bad. And though the constitution may support our rights to do so, let’s pause and consider if God does.

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9)

As I read this verse, I felt the severity in the phrase “tempting Christ” and since I couldn’t remember off the top of my head why the incident with the snakes had happened, I went to check. Frankly I should have guessed because it was a classic children of Israel moment: grumbling against their leadership. Here it is from Numbers 21:5-7

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

We see in verses 5 and 7 very clearly that when you speak against your leaders, you are coming against God because He is the one who lifts men up and gives power and might (1 Chron 29:11-13). Romans 13:1-2 says it clearly:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

The word resist (G498 and G436) here means to oppose or fight against. So in essence we tempt Christ by being in rebellion, which is as witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). Be sure to note that simply grumbling against leadership was considered rebellion against God.

I have clear instructions here not to question my pastor’s leadership, my husband’s and my boss’ – to support and honor them. My parents deserve my honor at all times (which is of course reinforced by the 5th commandment. Ex 20:12). And as much as I may not share the convictions of someone in office, it is not my job to grumble against them.

1 Timothy 2 makes my job clear:

First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.

For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.

I encourage you to pause and reflect on who are the leaders in your life. Then ponder if you are “tempting Christ” – and if you find you are, repent and walk in submission to the Lord’s choice of leadership. And pray for them! Remember that mistrusting them is really mistrusting the Lord and His plans.

If you find yourself under “bad” leadership, seek the Lord to understand why He’s allowed that to happen. Often it’s a direct consequence to our actions (either individual or corporate). As opposed to questioning the leadership, ask the Lord what you need to learn from the situation and what He would have you do in the midst of it. He will use any circumstance as an opportunity to draw you closer to Him if you will let Him.

Lord, please help us to bridle our tongues! Help us trust You and Your choices for our leadership. Please help us to remember to be in prayer for our leaders and treat them with the honor due their position always that we might please and honor You by our actions. We trust that You know best and that You’re using all circumstances to grow us. Thank You for loving us so much!