17th of the 5th month 2017/2018

Shalom all,

As part of this week’s Torah portion reading from Bemiḏbar/Numbers 11, we read how the people were as complainers and it was evil in the ears of יהוה, and as a result those who were in the outskirts of the camp were consumed by the fire of יהוה that burned among them! As I paused and considered the effect and consequences of grumbling I was gripped with the reality of how there are still so many today who are in no way different to the grumblers who were consumed by the fiery wrath of יהוה and so, in an urgent call to the called out, set-apart bride of Messiah, I urge all grumbling to cease, for the resulting consequence of grumbling that does not cease is not good. In a message called, ‘QUIT GRUMBLING – BE CONTENT, LISTEN UP AND SERVE AS YOU SHOULD!’ I will be taking a closer look at what grumbling is and what it represents and how it is manifested in hearts that are not content, with the hope that the ears of those who hear will guard themselves against any form of grumbling and watch that they are not evilly influenced by others who grumble around them! In this brief message, I will be highlighting various Hebrew and Greek words that are translated into English as ‘grumbling, grumble, grumblers’, with the relevant passages within which we find them, along with other related words in order to emphasise the repeated against any form of grumbling that warning we find in Scripture.

As the pressures of the world grow with increasing intensity at a rapid rate it seems as though grumbling becomes an accepted norm for society at large. As a result of this many may often find themselves being trapped in this wicked cycle of grumbling about anything and everything, which is often erroneously justified through vain and misleading reasonings, which many assume that their circumstances give them a right to do so! While many may, in their attempt at validating their grumbling, assume to be right I think that it is best to learn from Scripture and take heed to the warnings that are given against any form of grumbling.

As we go through Scripture, in terms of seeking what it says about grumbling, the obvious instruction that should be clearly heard by all is simply this: DO NOT GRUMBLE! In this clear call to quit grumbling we must also realise that it does not stop their but rather begins with an awakening reality of how our ears are to be attentive to the Word of Elohim in order for us to properly receive His instructions for righteous living and then serve as we should be serving – and that is – serve without grumbling or else it is not true set-apart service!

Sha’ul tells us in:

Pilipiyim/Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all matters without grumblings and disputings, 15 in order that you be blameless and faultless, children of Elohim without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Don’t grumble and complain, for then you cannot shine as true lights in the world!

The Greek word that is translated here as ‘grumblings’ comes from the root word γογγυσμός goggusmos – Strong’s G1112 which is a noun that means, a muttering, murmuring, complaint, grumblingwhich comes from the verb γογγύζω gogguzō – String’s G1111 which means, to mutter, murmur, grumble, complain. This verb is an onomatopoeic word that is derived from the sound made when murmuring or muttering in a low and indistinct voice, with the idea of complaining. An onomatopoeic word is a word that is formed in an imitation of a natural sound. An example of such a word is the word ‘buzz’, which is an onomatopoeic word that is used to describe the sound of bees. Why I mention this is to simply highlight that the Greek word that was formed to describe grumbling was done so as an imitation of what grumbling sounds like, as it is done ‘under one’s breath’, so to speak, and is not usually intended to be something that is done as a proper approach to dealing with an issue.

According to the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the word ‘grumble’ is described as follows: to mutter in discontent and to growl or rumble. In the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus, the word ‘grumble’, as a verb, is described as ‘to complain in a low harsh voice and often in a surly manner’, and as a noun, the word ‘grumbler’ is described as, complainer, faultfinder, growler, sorehead, malcontent.

A ‘malcontent’ is understood as being one who is in active opposition to an established order or one who bears a grudge from a sense of grievance or thwarted ambition.

I hope you are able to see why I am giving you all these definitions in regard to grumbling or being a grumbler, for it is when we can get a better understanding of what it means to be a grumbler or to grumble that we can take careful heed against such actions that are not fitting for a true set-apart believer in Messiah!

As we consider what a grumbler is we take note that grumbling is often done as a result of rebellion against authority and many today grumbles against the called for obedience in the Word as they are opposed to the clear established order of Elohim and instead of simply being obedient they resort to grumbling, either on their own or finding others who will grumble with them in order for them to feel validated in their wicked grumbling!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘disputings’ comes from the root word διαλογισμός dialogismos – Strong’s G1261 which means, reasonings, arguments, disputing, speculations’. The Greek word that is translated as ‘without’ comes from the word χωρίς chōris – Strong’s G5565 which means, without, besides, independent, separate, apart.

 Sha’ul makes it clear here in his letter to the Philippians that we are to do ALL without grumbling or disputings!!!

The Greek word used here for ‘all’ is πᾶς pas – Strong’s G3956 meaning, all, everything, continually, every kind, everyoneand what ‘all’ entails is literally just that – ALL – everything!!!

As we pause to consider these words, let me ask you if you adhere to this very clear instruction and teaching or do you find that while you do your best to not grumble and dispute with others, to not do so in ALL matters is something that you have fallen short of?

Sha’ul was earnestly encouraging the believers in Philippi to make sure that they do not grumble, even though they live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, so that they can effectively shine as lights in the world!!!

When you grumble your light does not shine!!! Think about this for a moment – when you grumble and your light does not shine it highlights that you are walking in darkness and not in the Light and implies that you may have no oil in your lamp and are therefore not walking according to the Spirit but are walking according to the flesh!!!

In order to be blameless and faultless so that we can shine as lights in the world we must make sure that in ALL matters there is no grumbling going on!!!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘blameless’ comes from the root word ἄμεμπτος amemptos – Strong’s G273 which means, blameless, faultless, without blame’. The Greek word that is translated here as ‘faultless’ is ἀκέραιος akeraios – Strong’s G185 which means, unmixed, pure, innocent. In our running, with endurance, the set-apart race set before us, we must remain ‘unmixed’ as we stay clear of the paths and ways of the wrong and evil! This word is translated as ‘simple’ in:

Romiyim/Romans 16:19 “Your obedience, indeed, is reported to all. Therefore I rejoice concerning you, but I wish you to be wise indeed as to the good, and simple toward the evil.

The way to be simple toward the evil is to make sure that we stay faultless by not mixing as we keep pure our set-apartness and make sure that we do not grumble at all!!!

Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 10:10-12 “neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 And all these came upon them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come, 12 so that he who thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall. 

Sha’ul reminded the believers in Corinth what happens to those who do not properly submit to walking in obedience and he lists grumbling along with idolatry, whoring, and the trying of Elohim as the things that clearly displease יהוה and caused them to be destroyed and unable to enter in to the Promised Land! Sha’ul reminds us that these are written as examples for us in order to warn us!

Th grumblers who grumbled were destroyed by the destroyer! The Greek word that is translated as ‘destroyed’ is ἀπόλλυμι apollumi – Strong’s G622 which means, to destroy completely, utterly destroy, put to death.

The Greek word that is translated as ‘warning’ comes from the root word νουθεσία nouthesia – Strong’s G3559 which means, admonition, instruction, warning and is understood as being any word of encouragement or reproof which leads to correct behavior. As an instruction, it can carry the understanding of teaching on proper behaviour and belief. As an admonition, it can be understood as being rebuked for a wrong done and as a warning, it can be used to advise on the consequences of a wrong action. Perhaps this word can be understood in all 3 ways to some as this teaches us what proper and correct behaviour is expected on us, while at the same time it can bring about a severe rebuke for any grumbling we have done as well as brig about a severe warning if grumbling is not stopped!

Along with this instruction, warning and admonition to not grumble we take note of the clear call to not be wise in our own eyes as the clear warning is given to anyone who think that they are ok and have no need for proper inspection, thinking that they are fine and standing! When one does not look intently into the mirror of the Word and learn from the Word, thinking that they have no need to be told what to do, they are in danger of falling!

The Greek word used here for ‘stand’ is ἵστημι histēmi – Strong’s G2476 which means, to make to stand, to stand firm, be established, stand upright, stand ready and prepared, be of a steadfast mind, to uphold and sustain the authority of something, and is also the word used in Eph’siyim/Ephesians 6 where we are told to ‘stand’ firm in the armour of Elohim; and so we can clearly see that this ‘standing’ is an equipped standing, in that the required dress code (that of righteousness – which is to guard to do all the commands) is adhered to and is functional, in us being a faithful set-apart priesthood that is able, as good stewards with that which He has given us, to stand before our High Priest and King – יהושע Messiah!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘falls’ is πίπτω piptō – Strong’s G4098 which means, to fall, break down, fail, fallen, be destroyed, and what is interesting to take note of here is that this word is translated in Sha’ul’s letter to the Corinthians as ‘fails’ when he explained what love is and said in Qorintiyim Aleph/1 Corinthians 13:8 that “Love never fails”!!! True love never fails as we recognise that true love displays a steadfast position of uprightness that guards the commands of Elohim and does not become inefficient in doing so, for love for Elohim is to guard His commands:

Yoḥanan Aleph/1 John 5:2-3By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and guard His commands. 3 For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy

To pursue love for Elohim is to run in the way of His commands, and flee all lawlessness and sin and this includes the clear need to make sure that there is no grumbling at all!

In a severe warning against the wicked ones who pervert the favour of Elohim and deny Messiah and blaspheme like unreasoning beasts, we take note that Yehuḏah tells us that these are grumblers:

Yehuḏah/Jude 1:16These are grumblers, complainers, who walk according to their own lusts, and their mouth speaks proudly, admiring faces of others for the sake of gain.

The Greek word that is translated here as ‘grumblers’ comes from the noun γογγυστής goggustēs – Strong’s G1113 which means, murmurer, grumblerand comes from the root verb already discussed – γογγύζω gogguzō – String’s G1111 which means, to mutter, murmur, grumble, complain. The noun γογγυστής goggustēs – Strong’s G1113 is only used here in Scripture and is clearly used to denote one who discontentedly complains against Elohim!

As we look at these words of Yehuḏah we are able to recognise some clear characteristics of grumblers being highlighted for us. Grumblers complain and walk according to their own lusts. They are proud and are only found to be admiring others when there is something in the relationship for themselves, for they are selfish!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘complainers’ is μεμψίμοιρος mempsimoiros – Strong’s G3202 which means, complainer, complaining of one’s lot, discontent, querulous (habitual complaining). This word describes a person who is discontented and just loves to complain about their lot! In other words, they are always moaning about their life and how hard it is and fall into the trap of habitually moaning about everything! Why? Because they are not walking according to the Spirit but are walking according to their own lusts!

The Greek word that is translated as ‘lusts’ comes from the root word ἐπιθυμία epithumia – Strong’s G1939 meaning, lust, desire, lust after, desiring what is forbidden, deep desire and longing for, coveting; and this comes from the word ἐπιθυμέω epithumeō – Strong’s G1937 which means, desire, covet, lust, seek that which is forbidden and is translated as ‘lusts’ in

Galatiyim/Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. And these are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you desire to do.

How many of you have found yourself looking at or seeking things that you know you should not! This can cause sin, and bring a breach in the wall which can affect the entire assembly!!! What happens when you are seeking that which you should not and do not get it? You grumble and complain!

We have been given the clear path to life, as we walk in and stay in the Master by guarding His Word and not being corrupted by lusts that destroy! The choice of how we walk is our own…!

Galatiyim/Galatians 6:7-9 “Do not be led astray: Elohim is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. 8 Because he who sows to his own flesh shall reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows to the Spirit shall reap everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not grow weary.

Grumblers are people who speak with ‘proud mouths’, which is a metaphor used to describe those who mock others!

Grumblers are therefore mockers and those who speak ‘swelling words’ will be cut off:

Tehillah/Psalm 12:3 “יהוה does cut off all flattering lips, a tongue that speaks swelling words

Shemuʼěl Aleph/1 Samuel 2:3Do not multiply words so proudly, proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for יהוה is an Ěl of knowledge, and by Him deeds are weighed.

 

The proud and arrogant who walk according to their own lusts shall be cut off and grumblers are arrogant in their complaining of their own situations!

Grumblers do not listen to the Word and have ears that do not hear!

Tehillah/Psalm 106:25 “And they grumbled in their tents, they did not listen to the voice of יהוה. 

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘grumbled’ comes from the root word רָגַן ragan – Strong’s H7279 which means, to murmur, whisper, criticize, slander’. Grumblers lack faith as they do not believe the Word of Elohim, as we take note of the 10 spies who gave a negative report of the land being that which caused many to grumble, showing us that grumblers will believe the negative report over the good and lack the proper faith to fight the good fight:

Deḇarim/Deuteronomy 1:26-27But you would not go up and rebelled against the mouth of יהוה your Elohim, 27 and grumbled in your tents, and said, ‘Because יהוה was hating us, He has brought us out of the land of Mitsrayim to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

Grumblers rebel against the mouth of יהוה! The Hebrew word translated as ‘rebelled’ comes from the root word מָרָה marah – Strong’s H4784 which means, to be contentious, rebellious, bitter, disobedient.

Tehillah/Psalm 78:8 “And not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation which did not prepare its heart, whose spirit was not steadfast to Ěl.

This Psalm is an appeal to turn our ears to the Torah and walk in it and not be stubborn and rebellious like our fathers!

Stubbornness reflects a bad attitude toward submission to authority and is clearly seen in not taking up the responsibility of bearing the necessary requirements upon one’s shoulders! Hoshěa says that Yisra’ĕl is like a stubborn calf (Hoshěa 4:16) and Neḥemyah says that they have a stubborn shoulder:

Neḥemyah/Nehemiah 9:28-29But after they had rest, they turned back to do evil before You. Then You left them in the hand of their enemies, so that they ruled over them. But when they turned back and cried out to You, You heard from the heavens, and delivered them according to Your compassion, many times, 29 and warned them, to bring them back to Your Torah. But they acted proudly, and did not obey Your commands, and sinned against Your right-rulings, ‘which if a man does, he shall live by them.’ And they gave the rebellious shoulder and hardened their necks, and would not hear.

In a clear call to live by the right-rulings of Elohim, Yisra’ĕl gave a rebellious shoulder! In Scripture we are told how the priests were to bear the Ark of Elohim on their shoulders, and so one’s shoulders are often pictured for us as how we are to carry the presence of our Master and Elohim, as we guard to do all He has commanded us! To have a ‘rebellious shoulder’ pictures a clear stubbornness to bearing the responsibility of walking in the Torah, as the rebellious cast down His presence instead of bearing it upon their shoulders!

Zeḵaryah/Zechariah 7:11But they refused to listen, and they shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears from hearing.

Shrugging one’s shoulders is to shrug one’s responsibilities, and the clear result of this is seen in their refusal to hear the Truth – hearing but not hearing! Those who have ears to hear make sure that they hear what the Spirit says – the stubborn and rebellious refuse to listen!

The word translated as ‘shrugged’ is סָרַר sarar – Strong’s H5637 which means, stubborn, rebellious, backslide.

What is stubbornness or rather what does it mean to be stubborn? Well according to various dictionary definitions, it can be summed up as follows:

Having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, esp. in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so; Difficult to move, remove, or cure; Unreasonable, often perversely unyielding; bull-headed.

Ever heard of the saying, ‘as stubborn as a donkey’? Stubbornness can also refer to one who has an ‘unrepentant heart’ – one who unwilling to yield to the Truth and change, one who is unwilling to learn and is stubbornly set in their ways!

A derivative of this word סָרַר sarar is the adjective סַר sar – Strong’s H5620 which means, stubborn, resentful, rebellious, sullen, implacable, embittered; and this word is used only 3 times in Scripture, and they are all used in referring to the attitude of the wicked king, Aḥaḇ, who was embittered in his being after being rebuked by a prophet of Elohim, after Aḥaḇ did not put Ben-Haḏaḏ, sovereign of Aram under the ban (Melaḵim Aleph/1 Kings 20:43). He once again became embittered when he could not get the vineyard of Naḇoth the Yizre’ĕlite (Melaḵim Aleph/1 Kings 21:4-5).

This root word – סָרַר sarar – basically speaks of being obstinate and rebellious, and lays stress on the attitude of a person – a wrong attitude that results in wrong actions!

 

Grumblers are stubborn and rebellious and shrug their shoulders at responsibility of obedience as they resort to murmuring and complaining about all, which causes them to turn a deaf ear to the hearing of the Truth and end up scoffing at Elohim as they complain that their lives are too hard to do what is required!

When the people grumbled against Mosheh and Aharon we take note of what Mosheh said to them, in:

Shemoth/Exodus 16:7-8 “And in the morning you shall see the esteem of יהוה, for He hears your grumblings against יהוה. And what are we, that you grumble against us?” 8  And Mosheh said, “In that יהוה gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfaction, for יהוה hears your grumblings which you make against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against יהוה.” 

While they were grumbling against Mosheh and Aharon, Mosheh makes it clear that it was not against them that they were grumbling but against יהוה! This is something that people tend to forget today – grumbling against those in יהוה’s appointed authority is grumbling against יהוה!

The Hebrew word that is translated here as ‘grumblings’ comes from the root word תְּלֻנָּה telunnah – Strong’s H8519b which means, murmuring, complaints, grumblings, which comes from the root word that is translated here above as ‘grumble’, which is לוּן lun – Strong’s H3885b which means, to murmur, grumble against, complain, blame, i.e. make a verbal complaint against another, whether proper or improper.

We again see these two root words being used in:

Bemiḏbar/Numbers 14:27-30How long shall this evil congregation have this grumbling against Me? I have heard the grumblings which the children of Yisra’ěl are grumbling against Me. 28 “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ declares יהוה, ’as you have spoken in My hearing, so I do to you: 29 The carcasses of you who have grumbled against Me are going to fall in this wilderness, all of you who were registered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. 30 None of you except Kalěḇ son of Yephunneh, and Yehoshua son of Nun, shall enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in.

These verses, which are written for our instruction and warning, remind us of the clear reality that grumblers do not enter in to the Promises of Elohim! Grumblers will not enter into the reign of Elohim! 

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 3:14-19For we have become partakers of Messiah if we hold fast the beginning of our trust firm to the end, 15 while it is said, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Was it not all who came out of Mitsrayim, led by Mosheh? 17 And with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter into His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter in because of unbelief.

Yehuḏah/Jude 1:5But I intend to remind you, though you once knew this, that יהוה, having saved a people out of the land of Mitsrayim, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.

 

Grumblers lack faith/belief and we know that without belief it is impossible to please Elohim!

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 11:6But without belief it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Elohim has to believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.

As we consider all these verses and various words that I have mentioned we need to take care not be found without faith due to grumbling but rather hold fast to the belief and learn to be content in all circumstances and learn from the words of Sha’ul in his letter to the believers in Philippi:

Pilipiyim/Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak concerning need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. 12 I know what it is to be humbled, and I know what it is to have in excess. In any and every situation I have learned both to be filled, and to be hungry, both to have in excess, and to be in need. 13 I have strength to do all, through Messiah who empowers me.

Sha’ul learned to be content!!! The Greek word translated as ‘learned’ is μανθάνω manthanō – Strong’s G3129 which means, learn by use, practice and the basic meaning of this Greek word is understood as, to experience, and the use of this word implies an intellectual concern, which can therefore also render for us the understanding of, seek to experience or, learn to know; and this word is also used in the Greek language with the understanding of, learning skills under instruction. This word comes from the root μαθ- math which means, to learn, educated, receive instruction, and a derivative of the word μανθάνω manthanō is μαθητής mathētēs – Strong’s G3101 which means, disciple, pupil, student, taught one or one who is learning’. Sha’ul was one who had learnt, under the instructions of our Master, on how to be content in all situations, as he would follow the instructions of the Good Teacher! The Greek word translated as ‘content’ is αὐτάρκης autarkēs – Strong’s G842 which means, content, sufficient for one’s self, self-sufficient, independent of external circumstances, and this comes from two Greek words: 1) – αὐτός autos – Strong’s G846 which is a pronoun that means, self, he, she, it and 2) – ἀρκέω arkeō – Strong’s G714 which means, be enough, suffice, content, to be possessed of unfailing strength, be strong, ward off, defend. This clearly implies for us that in the battles of changing circumstances you take a firm and shalom filled stand, and be strong and of good courage! This ability to stand in any circumstance takes learning to stand in any circumstance! In order to stand firm and possess an unfailing strength in the Master, we need to learn how to stand, and so it comes with a much-needed learning on how to do that through many differing circumstances, and so we, as students of the Most High, are enlisted in the school of life and receive on the job training, for which we are fitted in the Master for every good work, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in! There were certainly times when Sha’ul pleaded for a way out, yet when he asked or pleaded with the Master 3 times that a thorn in the flesh be taken from him, he was given a very clear answer:

Qorintiyim Bět/2 Corinthians 12:9And He said to me, “My favour is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I shall rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah rests on me.

The Greek word translated as ‘sufficient’ is ἀρκέω arkeō which we have just discussed! This word is also found in:

Timotiyos Aleph/1 Timothy 6:8 “When we have food and covering, we shall be satisfied with these.

We have our covering in the Blood of Messiah, and we have our food in the Word that sustains us, and having these we shall be content!

Iḇ’rim/Hebrews 13:5-6Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For He Himself has said, “I shall never leave you nor forsake you”, 6 so that we boldly say, “יהוה is my helper, I shall not fear what man shall do to me.”

Be content with what you have… for יהוה is our help!!! And it is in various circumstances that we will learn this, for we will quickly learn that יהוה is our help, when we find ourselves in life’s most difficult situation and circumstances, where the only peaceful option is to learn to be content and satisfied with what we have! When we can continue to learn this along with pure reverence, we will find great gain!!!

Timotiyos Aleph/1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But reverence with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought naught into the world, and it is impossible to take any out. 8 When we have food and covering, we shall be satisfied with these.

Reverence with contentment… 2 very powerful attributes that ought to be actively embraced in the life of a true worshipper of Elohim. The Greek word translated here as ‘reverence’ is the noun εὐσέβεια eusebeia – Strong’s G2150 and carries the meaning of, well-directed reverence, and at its root it carries the meaning, to be true and to adore’ speaking of one’s devout worship and being dutiful in one’s obedience. This word, applied to a believer, denotes a life that is truly acceptable unto Messiah, indicating a proper attitude toward יהושע Messiah, who saves him. It comes from the adjective εὐσεβής eusebēs – Strong’s G2152 which describes a pious, devout, reverent man. These words are a construct of two words: 1) εὖ eu – Strong’s G2095 which is an adverb meaning, good, well done and 2) σέβω sebō – Strong’s G4576 which is a verb that means, to worship, revere, Elohim-fearing. So true reverence, even in the Greek understanding, is a good and well done, Elohim-fearing worship!!! εὐσέβεια eusebeia reflects both an attitude and a way of life, that is well pleasing to our Master, through the continued display of complete set-apartness without compromise!

When we understand what true reverence toward Elohim means, we will find that we will do our utmost to give no room for compromise, and forever strive for perfection in the Master, no matter where we find ourselves or in what circumstances we may be in. Let me be very clear – it is possible to fake εὐσέβεια eusebeia – that is to have ‘a form of reverence’ in appearance only, while not having the real thing. This is what many are doing today, as they are simply putting on a show, having a form or reverence but no power to actually live it out, as their neglect for a well pleasing and good Elohim-fearing worship is non-existent, as clearly seen through their neglect for the Torah and the need to guard the commands of Elohim!

I think we can all agree that we do not see much reverence toward Elohim today as we see more grumbling than reverence with contentment! Sadly, many are putting on a show of reverence while they are actually grumbling, for they clearly refuse to submit to walking in complete obedience and often oppose the established order of Elohim! Grumblers cannot serve as faithful servants and it is time for the Bride of Messiah to hear the call to:

QUIT GRUMBLING – BE CONTENT, LISTEN UP AND SERVE AS YOU SHOULD!

In summary: Grumblers complain, speak against the established order and authority of Elohim; they do not listen to instruction and are proud boasters of their own evil and are selfish as they seek only their own interests and will use others for self-gain, lacking true love and selfless service towards others; and they will not enter in to the reign of Messiah!

This is a call for the Bride of Messiah to listen up and learn from the warnings that have been given to us through Scripture and make sure that all forms of grumbling, murmuring and complaining be no longer evident in our lives as we seek to do that which is pleasing to Elohim, being the daily living sacrifice as we pursue apartness and ensure that we embrace lives that reflect true reverence with contentment and find it a great delight and joy to serve as we should!

As you consider these words… has there been evidence of some grumbling in your life? If so… then:

QUIT GRUMBLING – BE CONTENT, LISTEN UP AND SERVE AS YOU SHOULD!

Reverence with contentment is great gain – will you live it? The choice is yours – I charge you in the sight of Elohim to live the right way – His way – and fight the good fight of belief, holding on to the confession of your faith in Messiah by walking the talk, doing what you are commanded to do: guard the commands and makes sure that you hear, guard and do – without any grumbling! And trust in the Living Elohim, not in the uncertainties of things that perish! And decide to do good – be rich in good works being generous ready to share! Are you able to do that without grumbling – for in that you will find peace and contentment; and together with reverence you will find great gain in all you do, and all that you are, in Him.

יהוה bless you and guard you; יהוה make His face shine upon you and show favour to you; יהוה lift up His face upon you and give you Shalom!