I have been reading in the book of Numbers as of late in my daily devotional time. As you know, this reveals a detailed look at the Wilderness journey and the rebellion of the people at Kadesh. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, were ready to go in and possess the land of promise, but the other ten could only see the giants in the land. Instead of considering how big their God was, they chose to consider how big the giants were. Because of their rebellion and unbelief, God caused them to wander in the wilderness until all the people that were above 20 years of age died off, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb.
Time and again the people murmured against God, grumbling and complaining. Many times they longed to return to the captivity of Egypt. They were convinced that their lives were actually better in bondage than to follow the leadership of the Lord.
This morning I read a passage that dealt with the time following the rebellion at Kadesh. The Canaanites had come out against them and God had miraculously delivered the Canaanites into the hand of Israel. One would think that this would have brought much rejoicing and worship, but sadly that was not the case. True to their nature, the people once again grumbled instead of offering praise.
Numbers 21:5-6
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. [6] And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Did you catch that contradiction in their accusation. They just said that God had not provided bread nor water, and yet their souls loathed the light bread (the manna) that God had provided. Time and again God had been faithful, and time and again the people were ungrateful for all that God had done for them.
It is easy for us to look on them with criticism, but in reality we are no better. We will have to admit that God has blessed us abundantly and beyond measure and yet many are not satisfied. We have plenty to eat, a place to sleep, clothes to wear, and a warm to place to dwell. The tragedy is few are satisfied with what the Lord has already given.
Even pastors are guilty of this sin. Often God has been more than gracious in our lives and yet we get discouraged and want to complain. Just having an opportunity to stand and share the Word of God is a genuine blessing. Having a church to pastor is an added benefit. Often we don't see the true blessings of God because we desire something "bigger or better." I don't know where you are in the journey Brother, but I would venture to say that there are many faithful men who would love to have the opportunity God has given you. Rather than grumbling and complaining about the lack that we perceive, praise God for His goodness and the opportunities you currently enjoy! It may be light bread, but it was given of the good hand of the Lord!
Preacher Chris
Time and again the people murmured against God, grumbling and complaining. Many times they longed to return to the captivity of Egypt. They were convinced that their lives were actually better in bondage than to follow the leadership of the Lord.
This morning I read a passage that dealt with the time following the rebellion at Kadesh. The Canaanites had come out against them and God had miraculously delivered the Canaanites into the hand of Israel. One would think that this would have brought much rejoicing and worship, but sadly that was not the case. True to their nature, the people once again grumbled instead of offering praise.
Numbers 21:5-6
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. [6] And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Did you catch that contradiction in their accusation. They just said that God had not provided bread nor water, and yet their souls loathed the light bread (the manna) that God had provided. Time and again God had been faithful, and time and again the people were ungrateful for all that God had done for them.
It is easy for us to look on them with criticism, but in reality we are no better. We will have to admit that God has blessed us abundantly and beyond measure and yet many are not satisfied. We have plenty to eat, a place to sleep, clothes to wear, and a warm to place to dwell. The tragedy is few are satisfied with what the Lord has already given.
Even pastors are guilty of this sin. Often God has been more than gracious in our lives and yet we get discouraged and want to complain. Just having an opportunity to stand and share the Word of God is a genuine blessing. Having a church to pastor is an added benefit. Often we don't see the true blessings of God because we desire something "bigger or better." I don't know where you are in the journey Brother, but I would venture to say that there are many faithful men who would love to have the opportunity God has given you. Rather than grumbling and complaining about the lack that we perceive, praise God for His goodness and the opportunities you currently enjoy! It may be light bread, but it was given of the good hand of the Lord!
Preacher Chris
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