1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
Numbers 11:5-6; 34 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” vs 34 Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving.
The Apostle Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:6 against desiring evil as they did, would seem to point to the obvious sins – lying, stealing, adultery, fornication, etc. – and following their deliverance from slavery, many of the children of Israel were certainly guilty of some of these. But this passage in Numbers describes a type of sin we don’t normally consider: it was simply their desire for the foods they ate in Egypt. The daily supernatural provision of angel food (manna) for every meal had become tiresome and even loathsome to the Israelites. The memory of their tasty diet under slavery actually brought about a wave of weeping among the people as each man stood at the door of his tent representing his family which was “fed up” with God’s Manna. Naturally speaking, it’s not hard to sympathize with people who long to enjoy such healthy and tasty foods as fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
Yet this complaint angered YHVH very much. Some may wonder at His anger, and judge it to be harsh and unreasonable. Shouldn’t people be allowed to expect variety and taste in their diet? Yet the sin of discontent and complaining about God’s provision and lusting after the food of their slavery ultimately brought severe judgment. Yes, the quail came in great abundance, [Numbers11:31-34], but with it, a severe plague which killed all who were convicted of greed, which the New Testament calls “idolatry” [Colossians 3:5]. The place where they were buried “Kibroth-hattaavah” translates to “the graves of greediness” or “the graves of lust”.
Can we be content with simplicity, and the repetitive sure provision of our Lord? Or will we complain in our lust for the pleasures of this world? The children of Israel were consumed by their lusts. Tasty food in and of itself is not evil. But greed and dissatisfaction are a great offense to the Lord, and a form of idolatry.
Paul spoke elsewhere, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. [Philippians 4:12-13 NASB] This weekend, may we abide in a state of contentment, abundantly satisfied with the Lord Himself and His perfect provision, humble as it might be.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]This evening will begin the Biblical feast of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur, which literally means Day of Coverings, can be a day of deep reflection on what the Lord has done for us. As Yeshua (Jesus) died on the cross 2000 years ago, the Gospel describes how the veil in the Temple was torn in two. This profound spiritual event reveals that the Lord gave all whose sins are covered by His blood access to the Holy of Holies, as He had become our High Priest in addition to being, Himself, the perfect sacrifice for sin.
As we celebrated Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) and are in the midst of “Yamin Noraim” or the days of awe, the days between the Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur, it is the season of repentance.
This is the season that the shofar (rams horn) is blown to heed the call of warning to repent from our sins and be clean. The shofar’s unique sounding blast is a wake-up call to all who will hear.
As we find ourselves in the midst of the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), our hearts are centered this week on repentance as we prepare for Yom Kippur, which is approaching this Friday. In this spirit, I want to share something I discovered while studying the Jewish roots of many of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) parables. I came across an insightful teaching from a Jewish Rabbi, which I believe holds a valuable lesson for us today.
After our very small wedding in Jerusalem, my wife and I planned to have the big ceremony she’d always dreamed of, in Havre De Grace, Maryland. Rivka had it planned it to the tee. It was an outdoor wedding next to the longest standing lighthouse on the east coast. We were going to wow our guests with an entrance by way of sailboat. Ten dancers with candles in glasses were to proceed my beautiful bride as I awaited her under our hand-crafted chuppa, lit by the sunset on the bay.
Between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur are ten days. These days are known as “Yamim Noraim”, “the Days of Awe” — or also translated, the “Awesome days”. In Judaism it has been long believed that these days seal your fate for the upcoming year — and also allude to your final destiny, concerning whether your name continues to be written in the Book of Life.
One of the major themes of Rosh Hashana is called Akedat Yitzchak, which means the Binding of Isaac. According to Jewish tradition, God told Abraham that the ram’s horn – otherwise known as a shofar – should be blown on Rosh Hashana to remind people of the sacrifice that God provided Himself when Abraham was about to offer Isaac on Mount Moriah.
The concept of ownership often influences how one can view the world, but if we recognize the truth that our time here is short and we can’t take anything with us, it will change our perspective. We are simply stewards of what has been entrusted to us. I’ve been running Worthy and its sites for 25 years, and I’ve never thought I was an owner but rather a steward of a ministry.