How easy it is to become discontented with life. This often happens not when things are tough but when life is going fine. Why is this? In the Exodus story, the nation of Israel is free after over 400 years of slavery. God provides them with manna for food, and they are on their way to the promised land. Yet suddenly, they start to complain. They want the food they had in Egypt, forgetting the cruel slavery they endured: “And the people of Israel also began to complain. ‘Oh, for some meat!’ they exclaimed. ‘We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!’” (Numbers 11:5-6). But why the sudden complaint? The answer is in the verse before: “Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt” (v4). It was an external influence that caused them to complain. In our own lives, how often is this the case? What is the “foreign rabble” in your life—social media, the news, colleagues, or friends? We must be careful who influences us. It’s easy to take on the discontent of those around us and lose the peace and promise that God offers. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Num11v4-6 (Craig B)
