You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt? Numbers 11:19-20
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 11:16-30 - we see God providing Moses elders to assist him in managing and caring for the people. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: We see an early indication of elders as a position within church hierarchy - vv16, 25. For more on elders in the church, see this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com. Church hierarchy is such that a formal pastor (vs lay elder or deacon) cannot do everything and it indeed can be overwhelming - but just as in vv16, 25 God is good and knows that the church needs many people for it operate effectively and the elders/deacons are examples. Yet, more prominent in the text today is how God sought punishment for Israel for its grumbling and complaining. This is an example of how God both merciful and just at the same time - just because He forgives does not mean there are no consequences.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Moses doubts God's ability to feed all of Israel and God sets him straight with a terse response - v23. We should not doubt God's ability to fulfill His promises - 2 Corinthians 1:20. In the text today, we also see examples of envy (vv26-29) - Moses dealt with this well by refusing to play into this pettiness.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling, complaining, and envy. Claim the promise that God hears all, responds to our cries, forgives, but is also just. Follow the example of Moses who leads but is not jealous for himself. Go to the Lord with your cares and concerns.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, provides, forgives, etc. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
