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Numbers 11:1, AMP, “Now the people became like those who complain and whine about their hardships.”
Complaining
Throughout the book of Numbers, the Israelites complained and whined. Even though they were slaves and treated harshly, they still wanted to return to the life they knew. God led them through the desert with a cloud by day and fire by night. He provided their food and their shoes were not worn. When we read Number 10:33, the Bible says that they had been traveling for three days. As a Result, they were tired, discontented and wanted to rest. Things were not going the way they had planned. So, they began to complain, again.
God Sent Fire
Numbers 11:1b, AMP, “The Lord heard it, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and devoured those in the outlying parts of the camp.”
God wasn’t pleased with the complaining. As a matter of fact, He had heard enough. He sent fire on the outskirts of the camp and some people were consumed by the fire. The ones who had negative things to say were gathering outside thinking their conversations would be private from the others. Regardless, God heard their grumbling. He was not pleased and consequently He destroyed many of the complainers.
A Complainer
Confession time — I am a complainer. The Old nature in me pops up and spews out of my mouth before the new nature has a chance to praise God and be thankful. Before you are so quick to judge, let me give you a few examples.
“I sure was cold (or hot) in church today.”
“I’m so tired of the rain.”
“It is so hot outside that I am ready for winter.”
“The music was too loud in church this morning.”
Can you relate? Just little tidbits of complaints instead of praise and thanksgiving.
It is so easy to find a fault for most people. After all, it takes a little thought and effort to remember in our minor discomforts how blessed we are to have air conditioning and heat. We are blessed that God provides the rain and sun. Blessed to live in a country in which we are free to worship and praise God.
Complainers Destroyed
I Corinthians 10:10, NKJV, “Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”
God takes complaining seriously. He destroyed the complainers as an example to us. They were written in His word for our instruction. To send fire and destroy His people was a serious result of their complaining. God provides so many blessings to us that we must be appreciative.
Shine without Complaint
Philippians 2:14-15, NKJV, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
“Complaining keeps you captive, remembering God’s faithfulness, sets you free.” Author unknown.
Renewing our minds is one verse in the Bible to which I keep referring. To keep our minds focused on God and His blessings takes practice and discipline. How can we shine as the light God intends for us to be, if we keep the dark clouds rolling in with our complaints, murmuring and faultfinding?
Dear God, thank you for all your many blessings. Help me to see all that you have provided. Forgive me for complaining and being ungrateful. Amen
Paula Wallace
Futther Reading
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2016/05/12/the-greedy-prophet-and-his-donkey/
