Murmuring to God

9/19/11 Sermon Notes

The Reverend Lisa Hamilton gave a sermon in Sunday’s Harmony Service from Exodus 16:2-15.      She described how depending on the translation, the Israelites were either “murmuring,” “complaining,” or “grumbling” about having been brought into the wilderness.  Superficially, it is easy to conclude that God doesn’t like murmuring…part of being a Christian is being “polite.” 

Rev. Lisa explained that God wants us to share everything – even our least polite moods.   Even though God knows how we already feel, He rejoices when we offer our tears, our frustrations, our joys.    Of course, it isn’t healthy in any community setting – a church, a family, a school, a business – to whine in whispers instead of discussing an issue with a person or people who can help figure out a solution. 

Rev. Lisa suggested that too often, we forget to bring God in the conversation, although of course God is already present.  She doesn’t believe we human beings can have a concern too small, a feeling too petty, an idea too wild, that God doesn’t want to know about it.  So murmur away, but start with God.  Then ask for guidance.  Prayer will help steer us toward addressing the conflict in a healthy way rather than complaining in a way that is unhealthy gossip.

The focus of the sermon was then turned to God’s provision of bread or manna (Rev. Lisa observed it was not called manna in this particular passage).   “Manna” can be translated as “what is it?” In other words, this bread was beautiful and delicious.   She noted that a rabbinic tradition says manna miraculously tasted like the taster’s favorite food.  A bread that could only be called “what is it?”,  manna is delicious beyond words, but it is just what the Israelites need - even though they couldn’t name it!  Not knowing exactly what they were eating probably felt somewhat disorienting to the Israelites, who were already disoriented – literally – they’d been wandering in the desert for a month or so at this point in the story – and spiritually and emotionally, too.  What did God want from them, anyway?  Why had they been released from slavery?  And what were they meant to find?  Where were they and where were they headed?  Who could they trust?

Rev Lisa questioned whether many of our parishioners might be feeling a little disoriented concerning the future of St. Thomas at the moment.  We might still be feeling surprised at Father Chris’ decision to leave St. Thomas.   Some might just be feeling settled from the last time a rector departed.  Many may not be as clear as we thought we were a few months ago regarding St. Thomas’ present and future.

So this is a good time to revisit Exodus, and to reflect on the Israelites’ experience.  Maybe God is giving us just what we need in today’s reading from Exodus.  In the coming weeks or months, if we are feeling disoriented or confused, remember to ask God for guidance and murmur to Him first. 

Remember that God will provide – sometimes in the most surprising ways.

posted by m white