Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+21.1-9

Scripture

So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died.

Observation

The Canaanite king of Arad hears that the Israelites are coming, so he attacks them and takes some prisoner. The Israelites vow to the Lord to destroy their towns if the Lord gives them victory.

Then the people start to become impatient at being in the wilderness for so long. They complain that there is nothing to eat except for the disgusting manna. The Lord sends some poisonous snakes, and many people are bitten and die. They repent of their grumbling and ask Moses to pray for them. The Lord tells him to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole so that those who look upon it will be healed of their snake bite.

Application

Grizzling, complaining, griping, grumbling, negativity. Whatever we call it, this attitude of pulling down God’s gracious provision is common.

Erwin Mcmanus, pastor of a large church in Los Angeles, points out that atheists are quick to blame God for all the bad things in the world, but they never give Him credit for the good things.

The Israelites were in the wilderness because they refused to believe that God could take them into the Promised Land. Now they are complaining about being there and having to eat that “horrible manna.”

Their negativity and grumbling against God led Him to lift His protection for a day or so. Quickly the Israelites changed their tune as they saw the destruction that comes when we blame God rather than praising Him.

Christians need to be people of praise. We have so much to be thankful for- salvation, a relationship with God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and much more.

Blaming God leads to destruction, but thankfulness brings an abundant life.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this reminder to maintain the attitude of gratitude. Help me to rejoice in you every day. Amen.