“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.”
The word complain means to utter expressions of censure or resentment; to murmur; to find fault(Webster 1828). The children of Israel have been set free from the Egyptian bondage. God also destroyed their entire army after crossing the Red Sea. God has provided them nourishment on a day to day basis since their departure, but yet the Bible still says, “And when the people complained…” How sad! God has never failed Israel, but because they were in a trial of their faith, they complained about their circumstances. How are your circumstances today? Have you been complaining? The week long Ohio gun season just ended. The rain made it rough for opening day! The numbers show that Ohio had a decline of 6,000 deer not harvested compared to past years on opening day. Do you know what that means? People who were probably successful last year didnt do so well this year! That’s the way hunting goes, sometimes there are dry seasons. Maybe you don’t even live or hunt in Ohio, but your tag is still empty. Whatever you do, dont complain. There is good news! There are extended seasons and even archery still ahead, so its not over yet! How have you been dealing with your circumstances? Are you complaining? Maybe its not even your unfilled tag that’s bringing your complaint. Do you have other circumstances that you are complaining about? Are you in a place where your saying, Why, Lord? God was trying to draw Israel to Himself. He had a great land ahead, but at this point He is trying to teach them that their joy should come through Him, and not some material possession or dainty food to fill their appetite. God’s journey for their life was not going the way they thought it should have, so they complained! Look at what happens after they complained, “it displeased the LORD” Do you really want God to be upset with you? This is a dangerous place to be if you’re a believer. Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Please get your eyes off of your circumstances, then, praise God for how good He has been to you! After the LORD was displeased, look at what Numbers 11:1 says, “…and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” God hates complaining! The Bible says that He is a consuming fire! Have you been saved? Have you been washed in the blood of the lamb? What could you possibly complain about?
Memory Week Verse 12/6/20
Numbers 11:1
“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.”
