Numbers 11

Throughout the previous chapters in Numbers, the words “The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses” was said a number of times (no pun intended 😉). Today’s reading reminded me of how quick we are to complain.

According to a note in my Bible, it was only three days into their march and the people had already reverted to disloyal comments. They had expressed complaints of manna and a lack of water a year prior, also, only three days after their deliverance at the waters of the Red Sea.

This also reminded me that we all have our own selfish wants and desires, but we don’t actually know what we need. Manna being provided from Heaven was a test of their obedience and trust in God. They were expected to receive each day’s supply of manna as a gracious gift from a merciful God, and a promise of abundance to come.

We are just like Moses and the Israelites. In spite of all of our needs being met, we are quick to complain and dwell on what we don’t have (or want to have). Similarly to Moses, we find ourselves asking God why He has given us the burdens we have, instead of asking for wisdom in understanding the substance of the situation we are in.