"And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." [Num 11:1]
In this world, men love to complain. Whether it is for the weather, money, other people, or present circumstances, complaining is abundant among men of this world. But among those who are saved, it ought not to be. For we are told,
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life…” [Phil 2:14-16]
There is no merit to the man who is ungrateful for the present things he has of God (for, “a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” [Jn 3:27]). Again, we are admonished, “be content with such things as ye have.” [Heb 13:5] Those of us who belong to Christ and believe the words, “The LORD is my shepherd; I am not lacking,” [Psa 23:1] ought to take heed to what Paul tells us, “do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless.” For this is how we shall “shine as lights in the world;” but otherwise, if we discontently complain, we will not shine as a light but will instead cause harm to those around us. We must learn from Christ as Paul did, who said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” [Phil 4:11]
The problem of complaining is more serious than we may first acknowledge, for, it being so replete in this generation, we often pass over it as normal behavior. However, look at what those who “were in the uttermost parts of the camp,” furthest from the tabernacle, and thus the presence of God, who “complained.” [Num 11:1] We are told that “The LORD heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of The LORD burnt among them, and consumed them.” [Num 11:1] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. It is a fearful thing, to have experienced the salvation and love of Christ, to have experienced His guiding hand and provision, and then to complain at the first inconvenience or perceived lack. Let us take heed to this warning issued to us and fobear from complaining. Let us be content with such things as we have, “for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” [Heb 13:5]
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” [1 Cor 10:10]
Moreover, see that those who complained and were destroyed were in the uttermost parts of the camp. They were the furthest from God’s presence. This teaches us and reminds us that it is through an intimate fellowship with God through Jesus Christ whereby we may avoid complaining; for Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians was that they might be “holding forth the word of Life,” that is, Jesus Christ. And so, let us abide in Jesus, close to Him, receiving His wisdom for each situation, and setting Him before us as it were, so that instead of seeing that discouraging thing we first see Christ. Let us seek Him also, for it is written,
“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” [Psa 34:10]