Ungrateful grumblers and whiners ∙∙
Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough? – Numbers 11:22
Numbers 11:1-11
1 Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp.
2 Then the people screamed to Moses for help, and when he prayed to the LORD, the fire stopped.
4 Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed.
5 “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted.
6 But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”
7 The manna looked like small coriander seeds, and it was pale yellow like gum resin.
8 The people would go out and gather it from the ground. They made flour by grinding it with hand mills or pounding it in mortars. Then they boiled it in a pot and made it into flat cakes. These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.
9 The manna came down on the camp with the dew during the night.
10 Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining, and the LORD became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated.
11 And Moses said to the LORD, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people?
How much does it take for people to have enough and be grateful?
When asked, “How much money is enough money?” John D. Rockefeller replied, “Just a little bit more.”
Rockefeller may ultimately be remembered primarily for the sheer magnitude of his wealth. In 1902, an audit revealed that Rockefeller was worth approximately $200 million – compared to the total national wealth of the United States that year of $101 billion. Rockefeller’s net worth during the final decades of his life would easily place him among the wealthiest individuals in history.
In many ways, Rockefeller reflects the inner desire and hunger in our own hearts, whether it’s directed at a specific goal or just a vague longing for “more.” However, the sad reality is that “more” is never enough.
There is a more excellent way. The Father does not merely want us to be grateful for what we have; He wants us to be grateful in all things.
Ephesians 5:20 Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
King David learned this lesson early in life and lived it. David gives us glimpses throughout the Psalms.
Psalms 73:25-28
25 Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
As we age, the vitality of youth often gives way to weariness and a loss of strength. Mobility becomes limited, and chronic pain and frustration may set in. It’s easy to lose heart, become discontented, and ultimately grow bitter. This can regrettably lead to a demanding and ungrateful spirit. We find ourselves complaining and resentful.
This downward cycle continues until the Father opens the eyes of our hearts to what we have become. More importantly, when we finally see this, we seek forgiveness by confessing our sins.
In the doldrums of our discontentment and resentment, we often hurt many others along the way, usually those closest to us. Therefore, our need for forgiveness is both vertical and horizontal. We must seek forgiveness from those we have hurt en route to despair.
REFLECT & PRAY
Desiring more isn’t inherently wrong. It all depends upon what we want. Wanting more of the Father is indeed an excellent pursuit.
Father how I long to possess the heart that David had, filled with immense love and devotion for You. I understand that nothing on this earth can satisfy me the way You can.
INSIGHT
Apparently, complaining became the national pastime for the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness. The more they complained, the more self-centered they became. They seemed never satisfied and always grumbled about the Father’s provision (Exodus 17:1-3). The Father sent manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4). Instead of rejoicing and being grateful for the Father’s provision, they wanted more. They pined for different food (Numbers 11:4). The children of Israel wanted something more, something better, something else, or even something they used to have (Numbers 11:4-6).
Psalms 16 is a very personal hymn of joy that focuses on the Father’s goodness. David finds his delight only in the Father and confesses that everything good in his life has come from Him. David expresses joy, praise, humility, and submission to the divine will.
David depended upon the Father to keep him safe. He needed the Father’s constant care and oversight of all the good things that the Father alone provided. For David, the Father was his highest good and greatest treasure.
Regrettably, our longing and hungry hearts take us on desperate, futile quests for satisfaction. David shows us a better way to live. Rather than wanting more things, such as wealth, power, recognition, etc., David found true contentment was not found “out there.” Instead, David learned the secret and joy of being at home in the Father’s presence.
More than that, David was genuinely delighted to be close to the Father. The source of David’s greatest joy was being with the Father.
Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11 is unsurpassed for the beauty of the prospect it opens up, in words of the utmost simplicity. The path of life is so-called, not only because of its goal but because it is a way to live. It leads into God’s presence and eternity. The joys and pleasures David speaks of are wholly satisfying and endlessly varied. They are found in what the Father is and what the Father gives (Kidner).
The Hebrew term translated as “in your presence” is literally in your panim, “faces.” The sense is close proximity, companionship, care, and protection.
How can we ever find satisfaction? What is truly enough? When we learn the art of gratitude, we will be satisfied. The Father delights when the children of the King are content and offer Him grateful praise.
Isaiah 30:15 In quietness and trust is your strength.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 3-06-2
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 