The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat!” Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day's walk in any direction. All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. Then they spread them out all around the camp. But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. Therefore, the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah1, because there they buried the people who had craved other food. From Kibroth Hattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth and stayed there (Nu 11:4, 10; 31-35).
The masses moved from Kibroth Hattaavah to Hazeroth. From Graves of Craving to Enclosed.
The world has a way of generating an empty tomb feeling within, doesn’t it? But living in Christ generates a satisfied fullness—because we are enclosed in God’s all-sufficient grace.
This season leading up to Easter, widely considered a season of repentance from worldly wants and desires, has the potential to move the Christian too from Graves of Craving to Enclosed—by living in the fullness of Christ Jesus.
From humanity’s first days, want has marred the human condition. Every generation since the first has faced a relentless temptation—compelled by the lust of our hearts. But only by choice to act upon those ungodly temptations do we sin.
The Book of Numbers clearly records the plight of the Hebrews. And their discontentment. They complained that the manna God provided wasn’t good enough. They were unsatisfied. They wanted more . . . different. Their complaining spirit showed contempt for God, to which He became exceedingly angry (Nu 11:10). Grumbling against His gift, in essence, was a form of rejection.
God gratified their desire for meat—in great abundance. He granted their request . . . and they indulged to their own ruin.
In remembering this event today, what lessons can be applied to our walk with the Lord?
What desire is causing discontentment in your life? Or dissatisfaction with God?
In remembering, we might do well to remember the call of Scripture: To reckon self as dead to our sinful nature (ref Rm 6:11-12). Bury those cravings . . . before they bury your contentment.
1) BibleGateway.com footnote: Kibroth Hattaavah means graves of craving
Good and gracious God, grumbling hurts You, Father. Forgive me and fill me with a thankfulness that bears the fruit of contentment. Give me power to let go of my wants of this world. Chasing after desires contrary to Your provision leaves me unsatisfied and wanting for more. By the power of the Spirit, help me put to death the bottomless grave lurking in this craving heart and enclose me in Your perfect, satisfying love.
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