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THE CONTEXT Numbers 11 opens with the children of Israel complaining in the wilderness which displeased the LORD. To show His displeasure, the fire of the LORD consumed those in the uttermost parts (outskirts) of the camp (Num. 11:1-3). Perhaps this would teach Israel a lesson regarding complaining, but alas we go on to read they were caught up in complaints. Their next complaint was that of wanting flesh or meat to eat as they remembered the food they ate in Egyptian bondage (Num. 11:4-5). They were not thinking clearly nor were they appreciative of the manna that God had been and continued to provide for them (Num. 11:6-9). This, of course, displeased the LORD and Moses (Num. 11:10). Moses felt the weight of this burden which God helped relieve with seventy men of the elders of Israel (Num. 11:11-17, 24-30). God had heard the people’s complaint about flesh and flesh they would get until it came out their nostrils (Num. 11:18-20)! It is in this context that the focus of this article comes into view. IS THE LORD’S POWER LIMITED? God had just promised to feed the children of Israel with flesh for a whole month (Num. 11:20). As we sometimes do, Moses wondered how God was going to accomplish this with such a great crowd of people, “And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?” (Num. 11:21-22) The reply of the LORD is one that we must all burn into our minds, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” (Num. 11:23) For the hand to wax short would indicate a lack or limitation of power and in this instance of God’s power. Is the LORD’s power limited? Consider just a few things which have already taken place by this time:
THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION In Numbers 11:31 the Bible states, “And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.” A day’s journey varies based upon several factors, but perhaps the most significant being walking speed. If we assume so large a crowd could move at least one mile per hour, a day’s journey would constitute eight miles (assuming eight hours of walking). From the text, a day’s journey appears to be a radius around the camp, so we have at least a sixteen-mile diameter circle of quail around the Israelite camp! A cubit is approximately nineteen inches, so two cubits would make a little over a yard. From the information provided in Psalm 78:23-31, the quail rained from Heaven like the manna did and was as dust and the sand of the sea in abundance. When we put the two texts together, we have the idea that the quail were stacked up over a yard high for miles around the Israelite camp! This was a massive number of quail that God provided for the Israelites. It was such a large amount that it took the children of Israel several days to collect them all (Num. 11:32). Those that gathered the least had ten homers or about four hundred gallons of quail! That equates to about nine and half barrels of oil in volume. The LORD provided just as He said He would and in great abundance. CONCLUSION We must always remember that nothing is too hard for God (cf. Jer. 32:17, 27). Yet, we often think there are things too hard for God and limit His power in our thinking and lack of faith in Him. Sarah doubted God regarding Isaac, yet God’s word came to pass (Gen. 18:10-15). The God that spoke the Universe into existence still upholds it with the word of His power (cf. Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3). If God says it will happen it will happen. This small portion of Scripture from the book of Numbers proves this point. Let us be those that trust in the Almighty God and ever remain faithful to Him! Trent Thrasher
America is often referred to as a nation of sun-worshipers. When you consider how much money Americans spend every summer on "fun in the sun," you'll have to agree that we've earned that reputation. Certainly, God made the world for man's enjoyment, and there's nothing wrong with getting outdoors to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. However, those who wear the name of Christ, must remember that our fun in the sun must meet with the approval of the only Son of God, Jesus our Lord. Since school has closed, our thoughts have turned towards vacation time and summer activities. Perhaps we would all do well to remember a few Biblical principles that find their application in keeping our vacation and our summer of fun in the sun acceptable to the Son and pleasing to God. First, be careful of what you wear this summer (I Tim. 2:9-10; Titus 2:4-5). Just because its summertime does not mean it is OK to undress and rim around half naked. And brethren, why is it that so many "Christians" think God's laws on modesty are suspended during June, July, and August, or are only in force at the church building and not at the beach or the lake? Would you answer the doorbell at home wearing only your underwear (if so, remind me not to visit you, because it would embarrass me, if not you)? But, if you wouldn't feel good about that, why do you feel good about walking down the beach or riding around in a boat in clothing that covers no more, and sometimes even less flesh than decent under wear? I have never been able to figure out the "spiritual logic" that some of my brethren use to justify their immodest apparel. If you would be embarrassed for the Lord to call you to the judgement wearing what you wear in public, or if you'd have to ask to be excused to go put something decent on, then your lack of modest apparel is obviously not pleasing to God. How many of our brethren will lose their souls at the day of judgement because they refused to heed God's admonitions about modest dress? Brethren, rebellion in this area of life is just as soul-damning as rebellion against baptism, or against scripturally authorized worship, or against God's laws on drunkenness, lying, or sexual immorality (see James 2:8-11). How sad it is that many "Christians" today are no longer embarrassed to wear immodest and seductive clothing. Remember though, that when Adam and Eve discovered their nakedness, they were both ashamed and hid themselves from God's sight (Gen. 3:7-10). Far more need to recognize the shame of being unclothed in public. If so, husbands and fathers would exercise their authority and insist that their wives and daughters, and yes, even themselves and their sons dress modestly! Second, be careful of where you go in the summer. Again, if you would be embarrassed for Jesus to be with you at your vacation spot, then you shouldn't be there! Never go to a place that would cause you to forget Christ, or where you would be ashamed to have him come along as your traveling companion. Remember, God and Christ see everything you do, and no matter where you go, you cannot hide from the all-seeing eyes of Jehovah (Heb. 4:13). Third, be careful of how you act this summer. Some folks feel vacation time is the time to kick up their heels and forget all moral restraints. Others engage in sinful practices that they would not dare participate in back home. Brethren, this ought not to be so. Gambling, social drinking, dancing, sexual immorality, stealing, immodesty, and all other sins are just as sinful when practiced a thousand miles from home as they are in your own hometown. As Christians, we should always be aware of our example to others, and mindful of our personal responsibility to walk righteously before God every day that we live (Gen. 17:1; Eph. 5:15-18). Finally, be careful to put the Lord first this summer (Matt. 6:33). Don't treat the Lord like a "work-in" patient at the doctor's office, giving him only a little time after you've done everything else that you've scheduled. When you're away on vacation this summer and the time rolls around for Sunday and Wednesday Bible study and worship, look up the brethren at your vacation spot and study and worship with them. It will bless their assembly as well as your life. And don't forget to be faithful at home, too! The Lord's work goes on 365 days a year. Also, remember that putting Christ first includes our financial responsibilities to Him, and to the work of our home congregation. If we can afford to go on vacation, then we can afford to keep our financial commitments to the Lord's work. Please do not let the work of the church suffer to pay for your summer fun. Be sure to leave your regular weekly contribution or make it up when you return. May God bless all of you with a safe and enjoy able summer, as you remember that you are God's people, and that you owe complete allegiance to Him. Are you a "sun worshiper," or a "Son worshiper?" Think about it seriously as you enjoy your summer vacation! David McCain
Someone once said, “It is not the difficult passages that give the most problems. It is, rather, those passages that I do understand, and which challenge me to make necessary changes in my life.” One of those “simple” passages that is easy to understand but difficult to keep contains less than two dozen words: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). I fear that most of us have not yet learned the force of this demand upon our lives. The late B.C. Goodpasture commented on this very passage: “Of all the precepts relative to self, this is one of the most difficult to obey. A man does not deny himself when he merely gives that which he does not need or miss; a man does not deny himself when he refrains from doing that which he really does not care to do. One denies himself when he, like the poor widow, gives that which he needs and will miss; a man denies himself when he, like Moses, turns his back upon that which he likes to do, and that which he finds pleasurable and profitable in the doing. As clear and crisp as a gunshot on a still day, the words of the greatest of all teachers fall upon the ear: 'If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me'“ (Gospel Advocate, July 19, 1973, page 459). It would seem that just about the time you think you have control of self, the monster sticks its head out of the box and you have to struggle with that inner man so as to master your emotions and overcome the temptations that come your way. It seems to me that, Biblically speaking, there are four principles that are taught with regard to one's self. Consider each of these. First, you must know yourself: your weaknesses, your strengths; your good points and your bad points. Knowing our weaknesses we are in a better position to conquer them. Knowing our strengths enables us to march forward with courage and determination. Second, you must value yourself. You are created in the image of God. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. That “Woe is me” attitude will never find the joy God intended you to have. We are not suggesting an arrogant, haughty attitude toward self where God is excluded and human wisdom exalted. We are created in the image of God. Regardless of the agenda of the liberal left, the environmentalists, and the humanists, there is something unique about man. Half a century of indoctrination in evolution and humanism has accomplished nothing more than the degrading of man and the disintegration of his morals. Third, it is essential that you deny yourself. Learn to say “No” once in a while. As much as that merchant would seek to convince you, “Go ahead! You deserve it!” there comes a point in the mad rush for things that the child of God has to step out of the race. Jesus told us that a “man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15b). Jesus was not speaking of “the things” that are inherently wrong, but those things that, in and of themselves, were right, and even necessary. It is not “things” that are wrong, but the love of things, and the attempt to amass those things that constitutes the danger. Paul wrote, “But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). It has been said, “The most important thing in life is knowing the most important things in life.” Finally, we must consecrate our self. This is something our society knows little about. Webster defines this word ‘consecrate’: “To make or declare to be sacred, by certain ceremonies or rites; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God.” It is precisely because our affluent age has sought to amass wealth, and to surround themselves with things, that they have failed to consecrate themselves to a higher and nobler purpose. I challenge you: “Give yourself to a higher purpose than self.” The ultimate consecration is, of course, dedication and commitment to God and His will in your life. Some years ago I came across this little quote that addresses this precise point: Most of the things we think create happiness, don’t. We get caught in a spiral and life suddenly becomes a race to be won instead of a game to be played and enjoyed. Our focus on ‘success’ as society calls it, blurs our more important intangibles of life–our relationships and experiences. The fear (and sad reality for many) is that we wake up 30 years from now, stressed, unhealthy and unfulfilled, wondering what on earth happened to those wonderful dreams we once dared to dream. I’ll tell you what happened. We fell into the trap of being what others felt we should be as opposed to who we were meant to be. Other’s dreams became ours, only to realize they never mattered to us in the first place. We adopted the world’s definition of success instead of understanding and pursing our own” (Source and author lost). So, friends, the battle is joined. We have been given the armor. The one great enemy we face is ourselves. Once we have slain self, God will be exalted in our life, and the outcome will be an eternal home with the Father. I don't know who wrote the following, but it is certainly thought provoking, and with it I will close this week’s article: “Thyself” (author unknown) I sought from Socrates the sage, Whose thoughts will live through every age, A motto to direct my life, A hero make me in my strife; And Socrates said, 'Know Thyself.' To know myself did not suffice, To make me useful, pure and wise; I sought Aurelius, good and great, Wise ruler of the Roman state; And Aurelius said, 'Control Thyself.' O, Nazarene, Thou who didst give Thy life that man might live, What message dost thou leave for me, That I may truly follow Thee? The Savior said, 'Deny Thyself.' Tom Wacaster
The gospel of Christ will be preached in its purity and simplicity by Adam Orr beginning on Sunday. The theme is “What Matters Most.” He will be speaking on the great subjects of: “The Most Important Possession and Relationship,” “The Most Important Trait and Food,” “The Most Important Stewardship and Outlook,” “The Most Important Influences,” “The Most Important Words and Habits,” and “The Most Important Challenge and Progress.” All of these sermons will be of a great benefit to the listeners and will be available on our website via audio recordings.
Please consider the following suggestions for a great gospel meeting:
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