The Cost Of Complaining

“The Cost of Complaining”

Numbers 13-14

Ever heard of anyone naming their kids these names?

Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, Geuel, Joshua, Caleb

No one has heard these names before; No one names their son Shammua, or Palti. Only Joshua and Caleb are recognized names on this list. Why is that? The reason is simple; no one appreciates or remembers a coward.

In Numbers chapter 13-14, God tells Moses to send spies, one from each tribe of Israel to spy out the land, and they do for 40 days. They come back with a mixed report, the land is fertile and rich, but the people are many, the cities are big and fortified and some people in the land they perceive as giants and they like to fight.

The people responded “Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. “Why is the LORD taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!” Numbers 14:1-3

Let’s remind ourselves of what these whiners and complainers had witnessed with their own eyes and experience:

1. God sent plagues to help free them from Pharaoh

2. God parted the Red Sea so they could walk on dry land

3. God took out the Egyptian army so they couldn’t pursue His people

4. God led them by a cloud during the day and a pillar of Fire at night

5. God provided water when they had none, manna and quail for food (manna daily for all 40 years)

6. God gave them victory over the Amelkites

7. God displayed his glory publicly over Mt. Sanai (frightened the people) Ex. 19:16-19

God punishes the people for their cowardice, unbelief and complaining spirit no one from that generation, even Moses was allowed to cross into the promised land; Only Joshua and Caleb. 1 Cor. 10:1-10

Joshua and Caleb speak out against the congregation of Israel. He offers a brief but challenging statement. Here is Joshua’s outline: Numbers 14:8-9

1. God keeps His promises (Numbers 14:8)

Joshua 21:45 - Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.

2 Samuel 22:31 -God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection

Romans 4:20-22 - Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

Matthew 6:31-34 - “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

1 John 5:13-15 - I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

2. We mus obey God (Numbers 14:9)

Leviticus 18:4 – You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the LORD your God.

Psalm 119:8-9 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

Matthew 28:20 - Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.

John 14:15 – If you love me, obey[a] my commandments

James 1:19-22 – Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger[a] does not produce the righteousness[b] God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.