Pastor's Corner
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FULL OF COMPLAINS

Have you come across pupils who always seem to be complaining about one thing or another? Let’s not be discouraged. In fact, why should we even be surprised? The problem of complaining seems to be very common one.

A COMPLAINING NATION

It seems as if Israel, right from the start, was a complaining nation. They complained to Moses time and again, on their way to the land of Promise (Cf. Exodus 14, 15 etc). Even in the days of Isaiah, this complaining spirit was very much alive still.

“Why have we fasted, they say,
And You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls,
And You take no notice.” Isaiah 58:3

1. Cause for complain

a) That the efforts of the nation had gone unnoticed by God

b) That the self-denial expressed through foregoing food was not appreciated by God

2. The deeper problem

a) External religiosity was the focus, rather than genuine seeking after the Lord

b) Self-righteousness prevailed rather than humility

A SWIFT ANSWER

It is always important to give answers to complaints that surface up. Consider how the Lord answered their complaint?

1. Self-examination
God challenged the complainers to examine their hearts. Did they really fast to God (Cf . Isaiah 58:3-5)?

2. True and False concepts (on the subject of fasting) Cf. Isaiah 58:6-7
God outlined for Israel the difference between true and false fasting efforts

a) The false concentrates only on the superficial and ritualistic

b) The true always focuses on the heart of the individual

c) The true practice of fasting (faith) would always lead to practical righteousness