Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!” Numbers 11:4
Numbers 11 tells the story of how God’s people complained about the food God provided. God gave them manna, but the people were not satisfied with what God had given. They wanted more.
Notice there was a “rabble” among God’s people, a group who were never satisfied. Instead of being thankful for what they did have, they got frustrated because of what they didn’t have. The rabble blamed God for everything and thanked Him for nothing. The redeemed thanked God for everything and blamed Him for nothing.
The rabble stirred up others, and their complaints spread throughout the camp. The people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!” (11:4). God gave them bread, but they wanted meat. God gave them manna. It was the gift of God to sustain them. But they despised what God had given.
God was providing what His people needed in the desert, but they wanted more. And their constant complaining provoked the anger of God. To become angry, frustrated, and dissatisfied with what we have may be the greatest temptation that we face today. The manna may not be all that we want, but the manna is a gift from God.
When you are tired of working from home, thank God that He has given you a home and work you can do there. When you are tired of not seeing family, thank God that you have a family. When you are tired of not meeting with God’s people, thank God for online services and that the Word of God is bearing fruit in people’s lives.
