Day 61

Numbers 11-13.  “Whining and Complaining”

         I have overseen a few short-term mission trips with teenagers, and am preparing for another.  It has been my experience that the most important rule for keeping the group together and focused is that there is no complaining.  Anytime you choose to follow the Lord’s leading there will be some form of sacrifice associated with it.  Whining or complaining communicates an unwillingness to make that sacrifice.
         It is obvious here that many of the Israelites and the foreigners who were with them had reached their limit of personal sacrifice and had begun to complain.  They were prepared to return to slavery in Egypt because the sacrifice was too great.
         Returning to slavery may sound silly to us.  Personal freedom is worth the sacrifice, isn’t it?  While this may be true, how often are we tempted to return to being slaves to sin because the sacrifice of following Christ is too great?  As you follow Christ, remember his sacrifice, and what he gave up to secure your salvation.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?