“And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: If only we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!’” (Numbers 20:3)

Here’s how it sounds in the New Living translation.

“and they began to speak against God and Moses. ‘Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?’ they complained. ‘There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!’” — Numbers 21:5 NLT

God had provided and delivered the children of Israel and this was their response. They were very inconsiderate to the Lord’s great work already accomplished in their lives. They complained, even to the point to desire to return to slavery. Seems illogical.

But is it?

In my little surroundings, I’m observing men consistently return to their addiction, women staying with abusive spouses, individuals doing time in prison and repeating the same patterns, pastor and leader enslaved to pornography, the list goes on…

“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)

“Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” (Proverbs 27:22)

The Israelites and Moses suffered grave consequence for their harden, ungrateful hearts. Let’s not repeat the same mistakes and glorify God regardless of the situation.

Are you grumbling about God’s provision, are you looking ways to escape that are not unhealthy, are you habitually sinning?

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Corinthians 7:14).

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32-34 ; Psalm 91 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Temptations are like tramps. Treat them kindly, and they will return bringing others with them.”

– Dwight L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. Psalm 62:10