March 6, 2021
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Reading along with us in Numbers? Here’s today’s reading:
Numbers 11 (NIV)
Fire From the Lord
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the Lord and the fire died down...........Continue Reading
How quickly we take our blessings for granted. How quickly what we think we “need” is really just a “want”. These people have been so closely provided for and blessed by God and still yet they find something to complain about.
Moses even complained and while I can see his grumblings a bit more reasonable under the circumstance of dealing with these people it still shows a lack of trust in God. However, once again God hears His people and provides. I did look up the meaning of the place they named “Kibroth Hattaavah” and it means “Graves of Craving” and how fitting that people died for what they “wanted” when really they already had all they needed!
Numbers 11
Numbers 10 & 11:
How amazing the way the Lord took care of His people. And yet they complained! Sounds like things haven’t changed much!
23The Lordanswered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”
Numbers 11
It is pretty clear throughout Scripture that God is not to be trifled with and He makes it clear in the events of this chapter. With all that God had done and the way He provided, how brazen it was to complain and ask for more. One does wonder who these rabble were that were with the Jews…maybe Egyptians that joined them? We too must be careful not to lead the rabble in our lives distract us from the things God wants or cause us to complain against Him. I mean it is one thing to make a suggestion, it is another to complain in the presence of the miraculous provision that God has made. And to say that they were better off in Egypt borders on delusional and shows how distance from an event can skew our understanding of it. But at it’s core it is prideful and dismissive. To belittle the great things that God did to address their mourning and hardship in Egypt by saying such things is awful and the height of ignorance and rebellion.
But God still responds to their desires…but in the way that God does, with a dose of discipline and learning on the side. And I think we can understand Moses’ frustration..he certainly internalized alot of responsibility for these people. And yet God is merciful to Him and provides His Spirit for those who could help. It is neat that the 2 guys not there still got it….like physical space could define God’s Spirit.
I also loved the description of the manna…sounds pretty tasty…I do wonder if that will be available for us in heaven…I imagine that it will be…..
Ungratefulness and complaining is sin….but asking God to intervene and provide is not.
It is interesting that the beginning of the chapter starts with God smiting the complainers outside the camp with fire! Obviously fear was not sufficient to teach the Israelites. The people were not grateful for what the Lord had provided and “fell a lusting” in the KJV right after that.
God does NOT punish Moses for “complaining” to Him about the burden of the people, perhaps because Moses brings his burdens TO God. Moses says, “I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.” Moses also comes in humility, “And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.” Lord, just kill me. God provides mightily, but not in a way that one would expect. An provision so overwhelming that it was a punishment. Be careful what you wish for!
This is an interesting occasion of God providing the spirit. This is the Holy Spirit, right? It is interesting to note the change in the men, displayed in prophesy. I was thinking about Pastor’s teaching and the unity of the Spirit. Two people meeting and recognizing the “Spirit” in each other.
14I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”
16The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.
Numbers 10, 11