Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.
Numbers 11:1
How often do we complain? It’s a sin that is not addressed enough, not recognized and dealt with severely enough, yet in the eyes of the Lord it’s a grave sin. It was their complaining that caused many of the Israelites to be consumed by the fire of the Lord, showing just how displeasing it is for Him to hear it.
Imagine seeing people burst into flames during Sunday service because they complained, and you have some idea of how God views it. This morning as I was preparing breakfast in the kitchen, my two young children were complaining to me about how I don’t do enough for them. It made me angry, and rightly so, considering all that I do each day for them. The very fact that I’m present in the home should cause them to be grateful, how many children are fatherless or separated from their father?
As a Christian you have been saved from eternal fire and damnation, is that not enough? Jesus was tortured and nailed to a cross for your sin (Luke 23), will you complain that it wasn’t enough? The fact that He is present with us always should cause us to be eternally grateful (Matt. 28:20), and still He continues to pour out His blessing and favor upon His people.
There is no one more generous than the Lord, yet His people complain that it isn’t enough! My pastor once said in a sermon, “I’ve been given eternal life, and that’s enough for me. Anything else the Lord chooses to bless me with is a bonus, but not deserved or expected” (paraphrased). Are you content with what He’s already done, or do you find yourself complaining because it isn’t enough?
