Read Numbers 10:1

Highlights:

Canaan is in sight! Hallelujah! Onward to victory! At this precious moment, all Israel had to do was trust God and move forward in conquest of Canaan. But what does it say? — They buried the people that lusted (Num. 11:34).

But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes (Num. 11:6).

The people of Israel were to reach the promised land in less than two years. They only needed to endure the hardships for a little while longer and to praise God that they would soon possess the land which He had promised to them. But they refused to accept the wilderness trials and difficulties as the plan of God to increase their faith and prepare them for His presence and the power to fully possess the promised land. Moses later said: He humbled thee . . . and fed thee with manna . . . that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4). Instead of recognizing and accepting this fact, they repeatedly complained and hardened their hearts until finally at Kadesh-barnea (within 50 miles of the promised land), they said: Let us return into Egypt (Num. 14:4).

One of their complaints was their dissatisfaction with the manna. God had provided manna for the Israelites to eat during their journeys, but they complained that the manna was nothing at all compared to all the tasty food they enjoyed in Egypt.

Manna was to the Israelites what Christ and His Word are to the world today — the food that God provided for His people. But how often that food is rejected and Egypt's dainties — the pleasures of the world — are chosen instead of the Word of God!

Because of their dissatisfaction with the manna, the Israelites asked for meat. When God answered their prayer and gave them meat, it was His permissive will rather than His perfect will. We see the results of their self-pleasure: He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul (Ps. 106:15).

We are so prone to complain when our circumstances displease us, but the continually dissatisfied Christian never discovers how vast are the exceeding great and precious promises of God (II Pet. 1:4).

We are told: Do all things without murmurings and disputings (Phil. 2:14). When we do, we realize that the key to godliness is contentment — regardless of our circumstances. But godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim. 6:6).

Thought for Today:

I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh (John 6:51).

Christ Revealed:

The two trumpets were made of silver (Num. 10:2). Silver in the Bible stands for truth. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6).

Word Studies:

10:10 solemn days, appointed festivals; 10:14 standard, banner; 10:21 against they came, in anticipation of their arrival; 10:25 rereward, rear guard; 11:4 fell a lusting, had greedy desires; 11:6 is dried away, is dissatisfied; 11:10 was kindled greatly, exceedingly angry; 11:11 burden, responsibility; 11:13 flesh, meat; 11:15 out of hand, at once; 11:18 Sanctify, Consecrate to God; 11:20 loathsome, offensive, detestable; 11:22 suffice, be enough; 11:30 gat, returned.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Jim Jordan (OH) and Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) • Country: Slovakia (5 million) central Europe • Major languages: Slovak and Hungarian • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 4% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Be of one heart and mind with other Christians (I Cor. 1:10).

Optional Reading: Luke 4:1

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:18