Numbers 11 relates the story of where the people of Israel become sick of manna, and long for meat. In response to their complaining, and their desire for meat, God gives them what they ask for. God causes a wind to blow quail into the camp until the quail are three feet deep all around the camp. And they dare consume it, not recognizing that the provision was, in some ways, a sarcastic rebuke from God (Oh, so you want quail do you? What I provide is not enough? Let’s see how you handle this!).
While the meat is still in their teeth, “the anger of the Lord burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.” (Numbers 11:33b-34)
The lessons from this story are fairly clear, but I’ll enumerate them anyway:
- God knows what we need and is well able to provide it (See Matthew 6:32-34)
- In our sinfulness, we sometimes crave that which is not good for us – and God may allow us to get it, but it will not turn out well
- God’s diet is best, and we should beware of craving other food.
What is the spiritual equivalent of junk food for the Christian? That which may give temporary pleasure, but is high calorie with little that is nutritious? Some of the TV we watch, maybe some of our relationships or ways we spend our time?
Jesus said:
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. (John 4:34)
That should be our diet too. Eat healthy today 🙂
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Reminder: For the National Day of Prayer, Central Christian Church is having scheduled prayer at 12pm, 3.30pm (kid friendly) and 7pm. Please join us for 30 mins at these times if you can.