“Content With the Lord”

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” (Numbers 11:4-6) 

The scene recorded above is a vivid picture of how pitiful humans can be when they are no longer satisfied with the rich provisions given to them by God. It was the second such incident recorded in this chapter.  

Even though they had been warned at Taberah, once again the Israelites yield to complaining. Their murmurings sprang from an intense craving or unrestrained desire. Their exaggerated expressions remind us of a child's temper tantrum. It was a voice of ingratitude for God’s daily, loving, care.

The Israelites, oddly enough, were desiring the dainties of Egypt. Had they forgotten the deplorable conditions of bondage? There is certainly nothing sinful about eating meat, or melon, or cucumbers. Perhaps these may represent the riches and luxuries of this world which can distract us from the richness and fullness of simple fellowship with God.

The attitude of Israel was truly an insult to God. Had they forgotten his mercy, and how he set them free from slavery in Egypt? Could they not see that God had provided all they needed to survive the journey toward Canaan?

Jesus has provided so much for his people. “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world’.”  (John 6:32,33) Thus, the covetousness of Christians is a reproach against God, who has loved them and given them everything they need. Those who pursue earthly gains often show contempt for the gifts of heaven.

In the end, God provided so much meat that it was loathsome to the Israelites. God punished their greed by allowing them to have more than they wanted. Such are the ways of the covetous. They will discover that what they wanted so much, does not satisfy. Only God can truly fulfill the longings of the human heart.

By George Slover
 

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