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]Continuing our exciting account of the Moravian Revival, I have to highlight the minuscule quantity of saints involved. This was, in proportion to its astounding effect, a very small group, a little church. Yet the amazing demonstration of God’s principle of power through unity re-echoes the events at Pentecost when 120 believers also were in profound unity waiting on the Lord. It wasn’t the numbers but the removal of contention and division that paved the way for a 100-year revival.
The Moravian revival, our current subject, began in the little community of Herrnhut on August 13, 1727, with a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit likened to that of Acts 2. It was a work of God that would transform this group of splintered Christian settlers into a unified missionary endeavor committed to reaching the unsaved around the world.
This is one of my favorite promises in the Bible — that God turns mourning into dancing! He takes away the anguish of being clothed in sadness and replaces it with gladness. However, notice what God doesn’t do — simply stop your mourning and make it disappear. No, He transforms it…into joy!
At any time, how receptive your heart is will determine your response to God’s word. If your heart has been trampled, and harden by bitterness and unforgiveness, then receiving God’s message for you will become more difficult. If your heart is like shallow soil on top of a rock, then your mind comprehends God’s truths, yet these truths do not penetrate your heart to make a real difference in your actions. Or if you are concerned about the riches of this life, then your focus is on the here and now, and these pursuits prevent God’s Word from taking hold and producing quality fruit. But a heart that is on good soil, receives the Word, applies the Word, and in due time bring forth abundant fruit! This is God’s desire for you — to have a heart cultivated on good soil!
With war drums beating even more intensely in Iran and Syria, we’ve received numerous phone calls and emails expressing their concerns — and understandably so! Nevertheless, even in this climate of anxiety, we are preparing to enter into Shabbat (the Hebrew word for Sabbath) this afternoon. And as we do, we are remembering again, the deep lesson of God’s entering into His rest following the six creation days.
A sailor who was shipwrecked on a desert island was captured by some of the natives of that island. They carried him off on their shoulders to their village, where he was sure he would end up being the main course. But instead, they put a crown on his head and made him king. He was enjoying all the attention he was receiving but was growing a little suspicious. He started making inquiries and discovered that their custom was to crown a stranger king for a year and at the end of that year the crowned king would be sent to a deserted island where he was allowed to starve to death.
For those of you who didn’t get that title, it’s a well known children’s Suzuki violin rhythm.
Not long ago, I came across an old issue of Homemade, where Dr. Ernest Mellor writes on fostering good relationships. This is so good I had to share.