A Lot Going On

Numbers 11-13

There is a lot going on the narrative of today's OYCB reading. Complaining, destruction, intercession, bad influence, a description of manna, ingratitude, gluttony...

And, we see Moses complaining about the burden he felt in the whole deal.

It is a wonder God did not wipe our the whole bunch and just start over. But thank God, He is a God of Covenant!

It is interesting that God's solution to Moses being overwhelmed with his job was to add 70 elders to help. Now, that's a workload - imagine one man having to be replaced by 70! Perhaps Moses had some reason to justify his complaint! That said however, it seems the 70 elders never gained any footing as far as helping Moses lead Israel. Here is an interesting statement in that context:

But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!” [Numbers 11.29]

Then, Moses' own family turned against him (Miriam and Aaron).

From there, the scouts were sent to Canaan and their report was not faith-filled (except for Joshua's and Caleb's).

My summary of all this doesn't sound much different than things go today. If only people would just look to and trust God. Especially in light of the fact that we have Jesus to give us a clear presentation of God, His power and His will for the earth, we should not be so rebellious or ignorant. But we are.

Father, help me to see application to my own life and faith in the story of Israel's journeys.