Text: NUMBERS 14: 3-4
By: EKARAGHA, ISAAC (DEACON)
Download Lesson
INTRODUCTION
The book of Exodus continues the genesis account and deals with the growth of a small family group of seventy people into a large nation of millions. For 430 years, the Hebrew lived in Egypt, most of the time in bondage.
After the death of joseph and his brothers in Egypt, there arose a new pharaoh(king) who did not know joseph. This new king opened the floodgate for the oppression of the Hebrew on account of their enormous numerical growth and might. (Exodus 1: 8-16).
Like any group in captivity, the Hebrews bitterly complained and cried to God for deliverance. (Exodus 2:23-25). God heard their plea and then initiated a plan to deliver them from Egypt through a selected prophet and leader named Moses. (Exodus 3:1-10). Deliverance did not occur instantaneously, it was a process involving a considerable amount of time and ten different plagues to release the Hebrews from Pharoah’s grip. Other miracles like crossing the red sea on foot, provision of quail, manna and water for their welfare were also performed by God in the wilderness enroute the promised land called Canaan – a land described as flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).
Now, despite these huge miraculous experiences, it came to a point in the course of their journey that they had to rebel against God for several reasons. They had decided to return to Egypt on account of fear and lack of faith on God based on the evil report of ten out of twelve spies by Moses. They considered themselves as grasshoppers as against the sons of Anak whom they faithlessly regarded as giants. Numbers 13:32-33.
Why has the lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt? Numbers 14:3-4.
Secondly, they were exposed to intense craving and discontentment due to the sole provision of manna. 5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!” Numbers 11:5-6.
Why were the Israelites faithless this time around? Why had they soon forgotten the immediate past series of deliverance. God had provided them through Moses? The Hebrew writer says that 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.
Again, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19
9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor. 2:9
As for their craving and discontentment, Numbers 11:5-6, could food be compared to the sanctity of life? Why were they dissatisfied with the provision of manna?
This explains the insatiable nature of man. In replying to the devil, Jesus told him that “Man shall not live by bread alone…” Matthew 4:4. 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25.
Now, going back to historical Egypt is a metaphorical phenomenon denoting the intention to revert to a state of bondage and despair thereby going contrary to God’s commands, standards, will and promises Gal. 4:9.
Undoubtedly, there are certain acts some Christians may induce in strongly suggestive of their returning to Egypt just like the historical Israelites did.
- Immorality: the sin of fornication and adultery is viewed with grave concern in the Christian race. 1 Cor. 6:9
- Idolatry 1 Cor 6:9
- Unforgiveness Matthew 6:14-15
- Stealing 1 Cor. 6:10, Eph. 4:28
- Willful forsaking assembling of the saints Hebrews 10:25-26
- Lying Colossians 3:9, lying cost a couple’s life at the infancy of the church Acts 5:5, 10.
- Spiritual Adultery
- Couple denying intimacy and withholding upkeep resources over tiny little disagreement, you are going back to Egypt 1 Cor. 7:5, 1 Tim 5:8.
WAYS OF AVERTING THESE BAD INFLUENCES
- Be intentional with yourself in your spiritual race 2 Cor. 6:14, 16-17
- Be prayerful always. 1 Thess. 5:17
- Submitting and drawing closer to God. James 4:7-8
- Engaging in diligent study of the bible. 2 Tim. 2:15
- Be faithful unto death. 2:10
CONCLUSION
For Christians to be able to run the spiritual race successfully to the end, one bible commentator named Randall Caselman advises having hearts fit for the journey. We can not do it alone, we have to rely much on God, so that we shall have to rely much on God, so that we shall all go to a land where we shall never grow old. A prepared place where there shall be no more sorrow, pain, cry or death. John 14:1-3, Rev. 21:4
Thank you for listening
Download Lesson
