Lust & Grumbling (Numbers 11)

What happened to two of the men who did not go to the meeting? Are we jealous if God gives spiritual insight to people outside our group?

Two men had remained in the camp, one named Eldad and the other Medad; the Spirit rested on them—they were among those listed, but had not gone out to the tent—and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Joshua son of Nun, assistant to Moses since his youth, responded, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” But Moses asked him, “Are you jealous on my account? If only all the Lord’s people were prophets and the Lord would place His Spirit on them!” Then Moses returned to the camp along with the elders of Israel. (Numbers 11:26-30 HCSB)

How important is it to pray as Jesus did, not my will but yours? Does God sometimes grant us our wrong wishes?

Just then, a wind burst forth from the Lord, who brought quails from the sea and spread them all around the camp, about a day’s journey in each direction, completely encircling the camp about two cubits deep on top of the ground! The people stayed up all that day, all that night, and all through the next day, gathering quails. The one who gathered least gathered enough to fill ten omers, as they spread out all around the camp. (Numbers 11:31-32 ISV)

What happened when God granted them their lusts?

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague. And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah [the graves of lust]: because there they buried the people that lusted. And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth. (Numbers 11:33-35 KJV)

Are we warned against cravings instead of thankfulness for what God has given us?

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:16 LSB)

What did Jesus say when John criticized others in a similar manner to Joshua? Do we forbid others, who also believe in Jesus, over picky non-essentials of our common faith?

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. (Mark 9:38-41 NASB)

What is an example of lust that caused Israel to grumble? Is such lust from the world or God? You decide!