Numbers 11:1-2 “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord. For the Lord heard it and His anger was aroused. So, the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camps. Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched.”
In this account, the complaints of the people displeased the Lord. As they emerged from Egyptian bondage and journeyed toward the promised land, they became “unhappy” along the way. They seemed to have forgotten the great things the Lord did for them to bring them out, and expressed their frustration through grievances.
Sometimes we don’t fully appreciate the blessings we possess, often overlooking the significant journey that God has led us through. This lack of awareness can result in a tendency to complain and express dissatisfaction. It’s crucial to recognize that such complaints not only displease the Lord but also reveal underlying feelings of pride, entitlement, and ungratefulness. Furthermore, we might underestimate the consequences of our actions, mistakenly believing that our murmuring goes unnoticed. In biblical history, for instance, the Israelites faced dire consequences for their complaints, with some being consumed by the fire of the Lord. Although we may not experience such extreme manifestations of divine anger in our modern context, it is vital to understand that God’s displeasure can still be expressed through various forms of chastisement and rebuke—experiences that can leave us bewildered and searching for understanding in our faith journey.
The significance of intercession is a powerful aspect of our spiritual lives—a gift that allows us to stand in the gap for those who may be struggling or complaining, whether that be ourselves or those around us. In the biblical account, it was through Moses’s intercessory prayers that the destructive fire of God was quelled, illustrating the profound impact that one person’s prayers can have on the many. The Israelites, recognizing their dire situation, turned to Moses, understanding their need for someone to mediate between them and God. By asking Moses to pray, they were seeking protection and mercy, which he willingly provided through his intercession, effectively covering their complaints before God.
This scripture offers us vital lessons that we can apply to our own lives in various ways, but let’s focus on two key takeaways. First, when we notice the consequences or reproach of God in our lives or those around us, we should actively seek intercession. It’s essential to remember that God is inherently merciful and willing to forgive. Secondly, we are encouraged to cover the grievances of others with our prayers and intercession. By doing so, we protect ourselves and our community from the potential repercussions that may arise from ungodly complaints. This proactive approach ensures that we remain shielded from God’s displeasure and the corresponding consequences of our actions and attitudes.