OCTOBER 8, Numbers 11:1-6 

The Israelites were held as slaves in Egypt for many years. What is slavery? Slavery is a form of forced labour in which people are considered to be, or treated as, the property of others. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to receive compensation for their work. Whilst there are different forms of slavery, what is clear is that slavery was very cruel and destroys lives. For a slave who has the chance of freedom, he would probably fight for it, and may even be willing to die for it. For a slave to be granted freedom, you can imagine the great gratitude he must have for the one who liberated him!

Now consider the Israelites who had been slaves to the Egyptians for years, and by God’s deliverance, were freed from their Egyptian masters. They had seen the hand of God in bringing about their escape and exodus (name of the second book in the Bible, and this word means a movement of a very large group of people), been given a new lease of life, but were now complaining! What is the meaning of the word “complainer”? A complainer is someone who laments and finds fault with things, and is not happy with what he or she has. Such a person is usually not contented with his or her lot in life. It is amazing the Israelites forgot how terrible it was when they were slaves in Egypt and actually yearned for the food they had there. It seems they were almost willing to sell their freedom for food!

God has done so much for us as He has for the Israelites. Are we grateful, or are we like the Israelites who were complainers?

God has done so much for you. List two blessings the Lord has given you, and thank Him for them!

1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

Thought: May I never be a complainer!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be grateful for Your kindness and never to be a complainer! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.