Daily Thought

As the people moved on, however, all was not well. They complained. The basis of their complaint comes out later in the chapter. They were missing the good things of Egypt and had become disenchanted with the trials of the journey. The Promised Land seemed as far off as it had ever been.

The Lord was angry with them and sent fire throughout the camp, even to the uttermost parts, and consumed many. Alas, in a forward movement there will always be those who look back and complain about their personal problems and remember the settled days before the venture of faith started. Such a complaining spirit is debilitating to those around, frustrating to those who lead and inexcusable to the Lord. There is not much others can do about it, but He can, and does. Here, punishment was swift and fatal. God was angry - lives were lost. His anger was justified. Moses believed the action that God was taking was right, nevertheless he prayed for the people.

‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much’, Jas. 5. 16; Moses’ prayer was promptly answered, ‘When Moses prayed the fire was quenched’. When the Lord’s people are suffering, perhaps even deservedly so, the Lord is ready to pardon, forgive and deliver. Praying for the relief of such is very likely prayer in line with His purpose, and, as such, will be answered. We need to pray for the hungry, the sick, the injured, and the emotionally crushed among our fellow believers and among those in the world, whether or not their situation is a result of their own rash or careless actions. Our God delights to demonstrate His care and His power, and our prayer may well act as the trigger to set in motion His plans for deliverance.

Alas, it was not long before there were even more complaints. This displeased Moses and angered God. Moses felt he could no longer lead the people - he found the task too daunting. Nevertheless, in great patience, the Lord made specific arrangements to help him, so that the work of God should continue. We need to learn not to complain, nor to abuse the Lord’s servants orally, but instead to commit one another to the Lord in prayer. He has the power and the will to support and lead His people through their trials.