By: Marsha Francis
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)
A man, accompanied by a woman, went to a Fast Food Restaurant shortly after COVID-19 restrictions for in-house-dining had been lifted. The gentleman approached the counter and spoke to one of the service reps. Soon after he had sat down he began to complain about not receiving his order, which he had placed in advance. After waiting for a while, he inquired again about his order. He was told it was not ready as yet, and he was informed of his options in this circumstance. By this time, the restaurant was filled with customers. Another service rep politely explained to him that they were short staffed, he was very irate, and he voiced his displeasure again. The man sat and complained aloud until he finally got his order.
One striking thing about this situation is that the napkins that were given to the man had fallen to the floor. He picked up the napkins, which I now call “napkins of inconsideration,” dropped them on the counter and left. The gentleman who was sitting at the table across from me looked at me and shook his head. He then picked up the napkins and threw them into the dustbin. When he returned, he stated that the man did not consider that other customers could have used the unclean napkins.
In contrast to the man, who had a legitimate complaint for a long delay in receiving the order he had made in advance, the children of Israel’s complaints were unreasonable. The Bible details how God, “our service rep”, provided daily sustenance for them by raining manna from heaven. The manna had been gathered, ground in mills and it was also used to bake cakes. However, the Israelites began to grumble about only receiving manna to eat. “Who shall give us flesh to eat?” they had wept and asked. They then recalled all the different kinds of foods that were available to them in Egypt: cucumbers, melons, leeks, onion, and garlic. “But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (Numbers 11:4; 11:6) they argued. Can you imagine the sound of all the families of Israel weeping aloud in their tents because of what they considered to be undesirable food? They never remembered the great suffering of slavery from which God had rescued them.
To have complained about one kind of food and to have questioned why they were brought out of Egypt, were equally unacceptable. This behavior and demeanor greatly displeased God, who knows what we need and what to give us at all times. They were given quails for one month. However, when the people were eating the quails, “while the flesh was yet between their teeth,” the Lord struck them with a “very great plague” (Numbers 11:13). This experience of the Israelites vividly depicts how much God dislikes a spirit of complaining and unthankfulness.
Unlike the man in the restaurant, the Israelites did not have to order, to pay for, or travel any distance to acquire food, yet they were dissatisfied. God had been longsuffering to them even though they had dishonored Him. He had protected and provided water and sustenance for them during their journey of deliverance from Egyptian bondage. However, their persistent murmuring and complaining prevented them from appreciating God’s goodness towards them, and eventually from entering the Promised Land.
What napkins are you leaving behind? Or what behaviors are you cultivating that will hinder you from advancing to the Heavenly Canaan?
Beginning today, avoid complaining, and instead take time to count the blessings of the Lord, not only when there is abundance, but even when there is only bread to eat. Also, appreciate the service that others provide and take time each day to affirm and encourage the positive actions of, your family members and friends.
