Presence Weekly 6/12/23

[THE DEVO] Entitlement Programs: A New Perspective (Part 2 of 3)

Last week, we entered into a discussion on entitlement programs through the lens of the redemptive-historical narrative. In that devotional, we addressed the perspective of God’s people as the recipients of a massive needs-based entitlement program based on grace, not merit. Yet, as is so often the case with entitlement initiatives, the recipients were quick to complain about the perceived shortcomings of their care. This is a common and not unfounded critique of entitlement recipients.

Another frequent point of frustration and dialogue regarding entitlements is the fact that the spigot of care continues to flow despite no change in the behavior of those the programs are intended to help. It seems that these programs actually encourage generational behavior that calls into question continued needs-based entitlements. For Christians engaging in these conversations, it’s important to remember where we stand in that conversation.

In Exodus 16 and 17, the people of God had just been rescued from slavery in Egypt. Despite this, they are quick to complain to the mediator of this program, Moses. Nonetheless, God provided quail, manna, and water.

After the gracious provisions of God to the complaints of His recently rescued  people, the people eventually arrived at Mt. Sinai, heard the words of instruction from Moses, built the Tabernacle, and traveled to the edge of the Promised Land. After hearing the spies’ report on the inhabitants of the Promised Land, the people reject God’s promise and refuse to enter the land for fear of being “crushed like grasshoppers.”

God’s anger for their lack of trust leads to Him directing them back into the wilderness for forty years. God’s judgment includes the declaration that these entitlement recipients will not get another opportunity until everyone over the age of 20 (save a few exceptions) has died. That takes 40 years.

In Numbers 20, the people have spent 38 years wandering and watching family members die off in the land between slavery and promised flourishing when Moses records this event.

2 Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! 4 Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? 5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.” 6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” 9 And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

10 Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. 12 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” 13 These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them, he showed himself holy. Numbers 20:2-13

Consider the perspective of those who are complaining now. Despite God’s gracious provision during the extended wandering for the children of those who were rescued from slavery and those who were born into the midst of this entitlement initiative, their behavior is unchanged.

Conversations and assessments of entitlement programs are necessary and prudent. Those serving and leading in government, those involved in policy discussions, and those hashing out the merits of entitlement programs that appear to result in no change in behavior are right to consider the efficiency and efficacy of the programs. The Biblical narrative includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience toward the participants of God’s redemptive mission.

Yet, as Christians, it’s important to remember that we, too, are guilty of sustained failure to abide by God’s requirements, continue to complain in the face of his steadfast love and faithfulness, and raise children whose behavior is marred by generationally unchanged behavior.

This often results in the frustration of those mediating the very entitlement programs intended to bless us.

More on that next week.

Make sure to check out our inaugural edition of the Presence journal and the latest episode of The Faithful Presence Podcast which focuses on applying mission statements.  

See you soon!