Numbers 11:1-15 COMPLAINTS Strange as it may seem, often following some of our highest spiritual experiences, we fall into our weakest and most fleshly moments. There seems to be something in us that takes spiritual blessings for granted and we start to complain about things in general that for some reason aren't what we anticipated or in our carnal desires, wanted. The Israelites may have been just tired after traveling across the wilderness for three days and man's character and fallen nature that has passed upon every man, took over common sense and spiritual interests. The first ten chapters of Numbers repeatedly reveal God's goodness and wisdom; His working and His will and now there comes page after page of scripture exposing man's ingratitude, failure, disobedience and the results of sin. When will we ever learn that God's ways are not ours and His thoughts are not ours? If we as believers look at things around us as a template for our joy and satisfaction, we will never cease to complain. When God gets angry, it is very serious business. How much more blessed and of greater value it is to us when we count our blessings and give thanks to God for His "goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men."
The only remedy when the judgment of God because of our sin comes upon us, is a true acknowledgement of sin; real repentance and turning in faith again to the Lord Jesus Christ and finding His intercession and mediation on our behalf is full and sufficient when we go in faith to Him. There is no easy way to escape the consequences of our actions, and to think the lack of faith is unimportant. That is to misunderstand completely the holiness and righteousness of God. God does not overlook sin in unbelievers or in believers. He is expecting us who follow Him through this wilderness, to live holy, righteously and godly lives in this present world.
The children of Israel had been long enough out of Egypt, and had been eating of the manna long enough to know the value of manna over fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. The problem they had was not with the food God had provided, but with the dryness of their souls. They are like so many other people who think the needs of one's soul can be met with "eat, drink and be merry." The souls of God's people will never be satisfied with the insatiable demands of the old nature. What claims the most attention and interest in a child of God? What is it that I really want most in my life? The Egyptian-pleasures and deceptive flavor of its unsatisfying food attracts those who forget who they are and who they are following through this wilderness. I expect the mixed multitude that blends in with God's true children have more influence then we realize. "What's wrong with this? Why can't we do that? Others do it so why shouldn't I?" These are the sounds of the voices of the mixed multitude who know about God but do not know God.
As I watched the scene and saw the fire die out, first I thought, "Finally, this complaining is over." But no, now all over the camp, started initially by the mixed multitude and then spreading to others comes the sound of weeping from people acting like spoiled children. The broken cisterns fail and none but Christ satisfies we sing, but why the resentment? Why the frustration? They had just come from a time of great blessing and great joy at Mount Sinai and now, three days journey farther on, the same people are complaining. What happened? The mixed multitude with mixed principles deceived the true children of God then, and they do the same today. Satan has used the mixed multitude that knows the words and ways of the people of God to deceive and undermine the Lord's people rather than openly attack them. False professors among us are like tares among the wheat; like wood, hay and stubble that appears larger than gold, silver and precious stones. False brethren may be among us and we may be totally unaware of the fact they are false.
The only way open to us to deal with the appetite people have for the world is to feed on the manna from heaven. When God's people are eating of that which satisfies, Christ Himself and all we have in Him, then we are spiritually healthy and strongly nourished to fulfill every desire God has of us. The food of Egypt leaves people unbalanced, under-nourished and sickly - even with bad breath! But what can we do about the mixed multitude? Sometimes we have to leave them until the harvest, lest the wheat still growing and maturing is disturbed until it weakens and won't bear fruit.
It is possible for a mature leader like Moses to be almost overcome with the care of God's people to which he had been entrusted. Moses was "faithful in all his house," but he was not above feeling the weight of responsibility he had, and it was almost too much for him to bear. Even the strongest among us can feel the weight and faint when we look at the people and not at the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who gave us this care and allows us to assist Him in the work of shepherding the sheep. The wilderness journey of God's people is at times hardest on those who are responsible for their spiritual well-being. We need to remember the fact that God fits us for the responsibilities He gives us, and then He gives us the power to accomplish what He intends.
The big problem comes when we claim the work as our own work; the difficulties we have to face as ones we have to face alone. Even more serious is if, or when, we claim the victories are ours and the blessings that come are because of our efforts, our labors and our suffering. Never let us forget that it is God who calls us into His service. It is God who equips His servants to do His will. It is God who works through His servants to accomplish His will. It is God who enables the work to be performed through feeble hands and clay lips. It is God who deserves all the praise and glory. It is then our complaints stop and we can sing with truth, "To God be the glory, great things He hath done."
What is behind the curled lips expressing one's dissatisfaction? Did I expect to claim some prize without the strain of taking action? Is it possible I am so immature that I think there is no cost; To gain the goal God set before me without some hurt or loss?
This is the wilderness I live in, for God's people, this is not home. The flashy treasures and pleasures of earth are past, world-claims for me are done. For now, I am passing through a barren desert where dangers and fears abound. But the promise is sure, I'm just passing through, and the manna is still on the ground.
Complaints of the weather, the heat and the cold only reveal a lack of faith. The needed supply of spiritual food is here, and God is leading me by His grace. Voices around me that rise to complain usually comes from those who are not real. They are not really content with anything they have; they live only for what they feel.
All of those who have tasted and seen that everything the Lord does is good, Don't need the pleasures and sins of the world, Christ Himself is our spiritual food. What things look like on the outside can appeal, our senses can be easily deceived. The life-giving word may seem very simple, but from it, real blessings we receive.
Our spiritual health and successes that count, do not come in a flash of light. What began as dim light and simple food, develops, and gives us spiritual sight We can see beyond what seems hard at the moment, to benefits that inevitably come. Each trial and pressure, each step taken by faith, matures us as we travel toward home.
Even in leadership we are not immune, from events that try to bring us down. Our preaching may seem to be in vain, and shepherding wasted, but ahead is a future crown To give to our Lord, He's the spiritual Ark, who guided us to this resting place. When this work is done and this journey is over, with joy we will this path retrace.
"Righteous Father; It has greatly and seriously impressed me today that any complaint I might have about things, can have very serious consequences. Give this servant the wisdom and will to look at the blessings I have received and the understanding to know that what seems cause to complain now may bring the greatest blessing in the end and the greatest glory to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."