By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
PROVISION
Numbers 11:4–17
Dissatisfied Followers (4–9)
The Israelites and those with them were tired of eating manna and wanted something different. They missed the food from Egypt, and they began to complain.
How often do we find ourselves in a similar position? God has blessed us, and yet we complain because we want more.
Living in the United States, we have many blessings — plenty of food, access to doctors, indoor plumbing, etc. But we can always look at what others have — larger houses, better-paying jobs and more — and we lose sight of what God has given us.
When we feel like complaining, we need to remember what God has given us. “Count Your Blessings” is a good hymn to remember, as it turns the focus from ourselves and our problems and onto God’s blessings.
Of course the greatest blessing we have is our salvation in Christ, and that should always be in the forefront of God’s provision for us no matter our circumstances.
Frustrated Leader (10–15)
God heard the Israelites’ complaints and was not pleased. Moses complained to God about being burdened with having to shepherd the Israelites while they asked him to do things for them he had no power to do. Moses had no ability to bring meat to these people!
Many Christians think that when we pray or talk to God we need to have the “right” attitude. We should always be happy and joyful when we pray, but God listens to us when we are in any emotional state.
Reading the psalms shows us how David is sometimes angry, sometimes joyful and sometimes repentant and sorry. It is beneficial to go to God in any circumstance because He is the One who can give us the help, guidance and comfort we need.
When God listens to us, it does not mean He does what we ask. God does what is best for us, even when we don’t understand it. Just because our prayers are not answered in the way we want does not mean God is not listening. His answers are always yes, no or not yet.
Gracious Provision (16–17)
God knew Moses needed help and provided it for him in the form of 70 elders to help him carry the burden of dealing with the Israelites. The elders appointed by God took much of the weight off of Moses’ shoulders. Many times we are stubborn and try to accomplish God’s will on our own.
There are times when we need to operate on our own, like when we need to ask forgiveness of someone. But many of us think that we need to be doing things by ourselves either because we are too proud to ask, it will inconvenience others or we think we could do the job better by ourselves. However, when God calls us to a task, others benefit and are blessed by taking part in that task.
As Christians we should find joy in bearing others’ burdens and helping one another. It is how we are to live as Christians, showing unity in a world where individualism has run amok and created a divided society.
When we are unified and helping others, we show the world the power of the gospel. We show God’s love to others, opening doors to sharing the gospel and seeing others saved.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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