Moment With The Master
“The Sin of Ingratitude”
Categories: Moment With The Master"We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; (Numbers 11:5)
The eleventh chapter of Numbers seems to be a chapter of complaints, first at Taberah, then at Kibroth-Hattavah in which the Israelites were harping about the manna God had provided. Moses lifts his voice to God: "Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? (Numbers 11:11) The catalyst of Israel’s murmuring seems to be the mixed multitude (vs.4) that had come with them out of Egypt. God’s chosen ones sympathized with the “riff raff” rather than being grateful for what God had provided.
The source of Israel’s complaint springs from hearts that desired to go back to the past. (vs.2) Dissatisfied with the manna, they craved the delicacies of Egypt. Boredom can cause God’s people to fall away. The joy of fellowship can lose its excitement. Fleshly pleasure, though it is accompanied with bondage, is more alluring than the monotony of faith, hope, and love. Sin that satisfies the flesh has more attraction than the sweet word of God that satisfies the soul.
The Lord gives us all that we need and more. (Romans 8:32) His word shows us the way out of the pollution of the world and points us to an abundant life. But some, out of contempt for God’s bounty, crave the things that lead to slavery. These mal-contents passionately desire earthly gain, lament earthly losses, and show disrespect for the gifts from heaven.
God allowed Israel’s request to be granted to the extent that the meat they so desired became loathsome. (vs. 20) When one’s heart is totally given to obtaining the coveted object, he may receive it with its just consequences. The lust is rewarded with unstinted gratification accompanied with a reminder that that which was so desired does not fully satisfy. Thus, the man punishes himself, the Lord providing the means of destruction.
God not only bestows on us with the daily bread, but lavishly imparts manna for the soul. Like Israel our daily provisions should move us to thanksgiving.
George Slover
