A Frustrated Pastor

“Moses also was displeased…” —Numbers 11:10

Moses was the pastor of the church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38).  Like many pastors today, Moses was often frustrated by the congregation he was leading. One thing that frustrated Moses was he could not always provide what the people asked for.  In Numbers 11:4-6 the people were not happy with the dinner menu. They wanted more than manna.  They wanted flesh to eat.

Moses was “displeased” by their complaining.  Frustrated, Moses cried unto the Lord, “Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? For they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat… I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me” (Num. 11:13).  The congregation wanted more than Moses could provide.  Besides, it was not Moses’ responsibility to supply their every wish and whim. Only God could grant their request. Only God could furnish a table in the wilderness. Eventually He provided more flesh than the children of Israel could eat (see Num. 11:20; Ps. 78:29; 106:15).

After serving as a pastor in a local church for over 40 years, I understand a little bit how frustrated Moses was.  Sometimes people wanted what I could not give them. While I would love to provide what they wanted, it was not in my capacity to give it.  It is frustrating, like when a child asks for something a parent cannot give.

Dear church member:  Don’t frustrate your pastor (and yourself) by demanding something he cannot provide.  Perhaps what you really want or need is something only God can provide.  Go to God and make your requests known unto Him who can provide all your needs.