Just like the Israelites

For my daily Bible reading my passage today included Numbers chapter 11.  In this passage we are told of the Israelites complaining of God being insufficient for them.  Now, the Bible doesn't say the Israelites said that, but essentially they did.  They complained numerous times about numerous things.  In the beginning of the chapter the Bible says they complained, it displeased the LORD and he sent fire down and it consumed those on the outskirts of the camp.  You would think that would be a lesson learned right?  (Of course by then, they'd already had many lessons).. But no, it wasn't.  Because soon after that, they once again complained.  This time about their food, or in their opinion the lack there of.  Now, they had the gall to actually hint that they were better off as slaves in Egypt because they had fish to eat.  They wanted meat.  God's manna wasn't enough for them.  Really?  He has rained down food for you, everyday, don't have to hunt for it, it's right there.  When there is morning dew, there is morning manna.. but that isn't enough?  So, what does our God who provides do?  He says (not quoting) You want meat?  I'll give you meat till it runs out your nose!  Till you are so sick of it you can't stand the thought of it again.  He sent meat (quail) that was stacked around 2 cubits high (around 2 feet).  WOW.  He said there would be more than the Israelites would even want. 

Now, knowing that God is an unchanging God...what must we expect now?  Of course... you question God, you essentially say God isn't who He says He is (since He says He is our Provider), what must you expect but this:

³³And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.
³⁴And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

You knew that was coming right?  God doesn't change.  The same God that judged these people for complaining about their circumstances is the same God that will judge us too.  Do we expect Him to be lenient upon us?  These were His chosen people.  He didn't care to burn them, plague them or kill them.  When He tells us what He is, why do we question Him?  We are just like the Israelites. 

Likes Flies to Honey

We've all heard that old saying.  You get more flies with sugar than you do with vinegar.  Meaning you'll get people to be more responsive to what you want them to do if you are sweet to them. 

I've heard it said that you can't sugarcoat God's word.  That is absolutely right.  But what we must do, is we must allow God to direct us in the right way to present His word to each individual.  I understand that when we are sharing the gospel with a group, it is hard to individualize, but when we have the opportunity to do it in a one on one fashion, we must allow God to help us to know what is going on in that person's life.  We do not know, but He does.  We may encounter a person that is in an abusive relationship and they are lost.  Would it be more beneficial for them to hear God loves you more than a human love, he cares for you and created you for a special job in His kingdom, or that God is a vengeful God that rains down wrath upon people when they don't do as He says?

 For them to learn the whole truth about God, we must first show them His love.  We must not only tell them of His love, but demonstrate it in our lives.  Enough with the Sunday morning Christian.  If you are going to represent Christ, you do so all the time, not just in church.  When you are going against what God has commanded and people are witnessing you do that, it is firstly a bad reputation for you, secondly a bad representation for the church you attend and most importantly, a misrepresentation for God. 

Be mindful of God's leadership.  We don't want people to be drawn to God's word and Jesus' gift of salvation like sugar.  We want them to be drawn like honey.  We want them to come to the sweetness and get stuck there and never depart.