Bible Chapter: Numbers 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.Complaining and being influenced by unbelievers. These two things happened too many times in their journey through the wilderness. We see that again here. Learning to trust and not complain is an important lesson to discover. Their discontent finally got to Moses. He asked God if he was going to have to carry these immature children through the whole journey. He was looking to go in victory and the people were giving up. God gave Moses seventy men to help him in leadership of the people.
In their complaining it was revealed that the people had rejected the Lord. They very quickly were talking about how good they had it back in Egypt. How good??? They were slaves who were treated worse than animals. But, as soon as they had questions, they wanted to go back to what they knew instead of trusting God for the awesome unknown journey He had ahead of them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Miriam and Aaron started complaining against Moses. They used the excuse of the woman he married, but this wasn’t what was on their hearts. They were jealous of how God was using him. They wanted power and recognition. God exposed their bad hearts and motivation. This passage says that the anger of the Lord burned against them. This is a very dangerous place to be. I want to be what God wants me to be and must always be cautious to not be jealous of others as God uses them. I have learned and continue to learn that along with the “glory” of position comes great responsibility. God blessed those who were faithful and obedient as we see in Moses. He judges those who complained, as we see in the fire that came down on the complaining people.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to be satisfied with what God provides. Learn to be faithful and obedient. Learn to reject the influence of the rabble. When God provides manna, eat it without complaining.
