Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Numbers 21:5 They spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"
THINGS YOU MIGHT SAY WHEN YOU GO CAMPING:
"I DON'T LIKE THE FOOD!"
Over the years I've helped organize many youth camping trips. It's a big job! The most time consuming aspect is the food planning, purchasing, and preparation. Satisfying the taste buds of 40 hungry campers is not easy. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a hundred times: "I DON'T LIKE THE FOOD!"
The LORD provided for the children of Israel during their forty year camping trip. Supplying food everyday for two million plus campers was a big job. But it was no problem for the LORD. From His loving hand came quail in the evening, and tasty, nutritious manna in the morning. Sadly, the people still complained: "We detest this miserable food!"
Maybe you and I don't think grumbling about our lot in life is such a big deal. Everybody has something to complain about, right? What's wrong with a little whining once in awhile? To God it is a big deal! God has dedicated two whole commandments warning us against this sin. The 9th and 10th commandments warn us against coveting--wanting what God has not given us--and not being content with what God has given us. It's such a big deal that God sent poisonous snakes into the camp of the disgruntled Israelites as a necessary and loving disciplinary measure.
How shameful for you and me, God's children, to complain when we have such a loving LORD. Thank the LORD for His mercy! The promise of healing was given to the snake-bitten Israelites when they looked at the bronze serpent in faith (cf. Numbers 21:7-9). As we look to Jesus' cross we have full forgiveness for our whining ways. May the Spirit work contentment in our hearts as we draw near to our Savior God through Word and Sacrament. What a joy when He gives us a contented, satisfied heart!
Oh, give thanks unto the LORD for He is good!
