Day 30 – Numbers: First approach to the Promise land

Reading: Numbers 10:11 to Numbers 14:45

“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. “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. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!” Numbers 11:4-6 NLT

The customer is always right, right? Well, not in Israels case. I love how the non-Hebrew members of the moving party are referred to: “foreign rabble”. Just like Israel, we seem to be happy and content with what we have – until someone starts sowing seed of doubt and comparison. They did not understand God’s ways and their faith in Him did not grow as their hearts longed for a world left behind. This is where we, as children of God, should increase our faith in Him and resist the temptation for longing for a world (old self) left behind.

It’s interesting how a small complaint cascaded into a raging river of sin and rebellion. First, they complained about the miracle manna, then Moses’s own family accused him and questioned his authority after which the scouts returned and caused a rebellion so great – angering the Lord and causing Him to not allow this generation to enter what He promised. Temptation for rebellion starts as a small cinder ending in an uncontrollable forest fire causing destruction.

May we guard our minds and hearts from the foreign rabble traveling with us and not allow the temptation of longing for our old lives or rebellion to take root whilst keeping our eyes on the promises of God for an eternal promised land.

Prayer: Father, thank You that we can learn from the Israelites through their sin and rebellion to increase our faith in Your promises. Thank You, Jesus, for the promise of an eternal promise land and for guiding us with the Holy Spirit to stay on course. May Your Word, Lord, be our daily bread just as You provided manna for Your nation. Amen.