Day Two: God Forgives His People 

Sermon Point: One of the ways Israel rebelled against God in the wilderness was by saying that they’d rather go back to Egypt – they would rather be enslaved in bondage than be obedient to God! What a disgrace to God – and what shame their grumbling brought on the people of Israel. But those memorial stones at Gilgal served as a reminder that God rolled away the reproach of Egypt – He forgave Israel for scorning Him.  

We must be so careful what we say – our words matter! Grumbling so often returns us to the bondage of our sin. We scorn and taunt God; it disgraces and brings shame upon us that we would ever choose bondage in sin over God’s promises! But God forgives His people! What an important truth to remember, because it’s only through His forgiveness we can be reconciled to our Holy God, which grants us access to the strength we need to fight all our spiritual battles.   

Truth: 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  

Reflection: Have you ever thought of your complaining or grumbling as something that disgraces God and shames you? Be honest, are you a grumbler? Think about why our words matter so much.  

Response: Read this article from gotquestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/without-grumbling-and-disputing.html Before you go to bed tonight, think through your day to review your words; where grumbling and complaining were present, confess your sin, rejoice in God’s forgiveness, and then ask for His Spirit to change you from the inside out and strengthen you so that your words reflect His overwhelming goodness and grace to you in Christ.  Shoot your battle buddy a text and let him or her know some specifics about your grumbling, ask him or her to pray for you and continue to push you on it.