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)

Scenes of this chapter provide a glimpse of the pathetic character of Israel. Their constant grumbling is a source of extreme irritation for Moses, their leader. (Vs.11) “Manna, manna, all we have is a manna!” Could this same kind of dissatisfaction be found in our hearts?

It is first worth noting just where the sin began. A “mixed multitude“ or foreigners were living among the people of God. A cry among these aliens seems to incite a rebellion among the Israelites. Thus, the danger of listening to the counsel of friends of the world, especially when one’s faith and commitment are challenged. 

The Israelites had forgotten all that God had done for them. They do remember the manna, only to grumble about it. They are mindful of the delicacies of Egypt, but have they forgotten how they were treated in bondage? Their exaggerated language: “our whole being is dried up“; “we have nothing“, reveals much about their ungrateful heart. Jesus has conquered sin and death, yet how easy it is for us to complain about matters far less important.

And so the people demanded flesh, and God gave them flesh beyond their request. They get their desire, but not God‘s blessing. One must be careful to become impatient with our real or imagined hardships. What we receive may not offer the pleasure that we are looking for.

To avoid the dangers of such thanklessness, we must take our eyes off the pleasures offered by the world. We must flee these harmful lusts, and turn our hearts to pursue heavenly objects. We must make the Father’s business the main thing, and pray: “Father, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. 

By George Slover

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23,24) 

Early Christians, forced to leave Jerusalem because of persecution, came preaching the Lord Jesus in Antioch. Some of these exiles were even sharing Christ with the Gentiles. When this good news came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to confirm these new souls. 

Barnabas was just the one qualified for the job, for he was a good man. The quality of such a teacher would include one of conviction. He was a firm and steadfast believer. Though there is some dispute here, some of the manuscripts suggest Gentiles were among the new converts.  This presented a challenge to Jewish Christians. (Acts 10,11) Barnabas was the kind of individual that would be perfect for the delicate job of bridging the gap between Jews and Gentiles, and to encourage these new disciples. 

Some six to seven years had passed since the death of Stephen. However, the persecution at Jerusalem caused the message of God to spread to other regions. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch, and mingles with the disciples, he witnesses the fruit of God's grace.

Prior to the arrival of Barnabas, followers of Christ had come from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching the Lord Jesus. Those who received the message “turned it to the Lord”. Now, one more step is necessary. Having received Christ, they must resolve to cling to him.

Even in such an atmosphere of gladness, Barnabas knew of the temptation to turn back to the world. This is a world that is hostile to the cause of Christ. Apathy coupled with persecution could entice these Christians to fall away. They must cleave to the Lord.

Have you, dear reader, basked in God's grace? Have you received the blessings of Christ? If so, hang on to Christ. One day he will give you eternal blessings.

By George Slover 

So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” (1 Samuel 30:8) 

The rise of David's popularity in Israel, caused insane jealousy in King Saul. With these words ringing in his ears, “‘Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:10), Saul zealously pursued the capture of David. Unlike Saul, David inquired of God in moments of distress. This time God's answer was: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

Having been delivered from the Philistine army, David’s army set out to return to Ziglag. Instead of being welcomed by their families, they found the city burned, and their families captured. David surely deemed the situation hopeless. He even senses a mutiny among his own troops.

However David's trust was not in man, but in God. With all hope lost, “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God”.  Such faith is often exemplified in times of despair. Paul would later record: “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)

Next, David sought counsel from Abiathar, the priest. David sought an answer from this trusted confidant and spokesman for God.  God delivered his counsel: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” 

There are times in our own lives when we come to the spiritual valleys. Either the sin in our lives or circumstances beyond our control prompt a spiritual low. In such distress, we must find strength in God, and pursue, overtake, and recover.

God wants you to confront the nagging persistent sin in your life head-on.  He longs for you to mend the fences of broken relationships – with a neighbor, a brother, or your mate. He beseeches you to rise above the trials that weigh you down. God is saying “with my help you can do this”!  “Pursue, overtake, and recover.”        

By George Slover

“Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.”  (Colossians 4:7,8)

Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by noting the one who will deliver the letter to them. Just as was his custom, he also includes greetings to various friends and helpers.

These personal references help to authenticate the genuineness and authority of the letter. At the same time, we also learn of the characteristics and the special relationships Paul sustained with those who serve the Lord with him.

Tychicus first appears in Acts 20:4. He was of the province of Asia, of which Ephesus was capital. He apparently accompanied Paul on his voyage to Jerusalem in A.D. 58. He is most of all noted as a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord.

A disciple’s primary strength and consolation comes through Christ. Being attached to him provides energy to persevere in our walk with God. However, an important avenue through which Christ provides such energy is through the fellowship of other disciples.

To accomplish his purpose, God calls each disciple to find their niche in ministry. Men and women from various walks of life and social rank are united by common calling to serve each other. With this in mind, each disciple must recognize their individual talent. With loyalty and humility, they must zealously work for the mutual edification of their fellows.

Tychicus was what every disciple should be - a blessing by reason of his fidelity and servant’s heart.  The world is full of those who need the consolation of Christ. Dear reader where do you stand?     

By George Slover 

 

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:4,5)

The soldiers of Christ are at war. It is not a physical, nor intellectual conflict. It is a spiritual battle. It is an engagement against every force of evil, and eternal souls are at stake. The goal of the Lord's army is to win hearts to Christ.

The soldier of Christ does not win souls by force or coercion. He does not carry on the conflict by trickery or slight of hand. He does not rely on human philosophy or
eloquence. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is the focal point of his message.

His weapons are mighty because they are instruments from God. The gospel which Paul taught was not the product of man, but of God. It is by the power of God's gospel that the soldier will obtain the victory.

The strongholds of Satan include error, superstition, selfishness, bigotry, malice, and hatred; and they are powerful. But the Sword of God is able to demolish them all. The gospel can unseat Satan's sophistry from the heart. Truth will win. Everything that exalts itself against God will be defeated.

Having removed all of Satan's vices, God moves is to occupy the heart. The goal of Christ is to rule all of our ambitions and preferences. He wants to rule our lives every second of every day of our life. With his power, God is able.

This battle is the greatest of all conflicts. It is not physical, nor merely mental. It is a spiritual battle in which God's honor is not to be compromised, and our eternal destiny is at stake. We must pick up the armor and fight!

By George Slover