The Israelites

"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages have come."
-1 Corinthians 10:11    
      Recently I have been reading through the book of Numbers, and one thing sticks out to me. The Israelites are freed from the slavery in Egypt, and then lead out by Moses and Aaron to a promised land. However, the Israelites often get frustrated and angry by different things, like food or water. Even though they literally saw the presence of God as a cloud and a pillar of fire, they still grumbled against Him. They complained about lack of water, so Moses struck a rock and water came out. They had no food, so everyday the sky rained bread for them. Then they complained that they were tired of the bread, so God gave them meat. Even though they constantly complained, God provided for them.
      I've always had a problem with the way the Israelites were. They were God's chosen people, and God was clearly with them always. Despite this, the Israelites constantly complained about God. How could anyone complain against someone who has brought them out of slavery, provided for them, kept them safe, and provided leadership for them? God was with them, and there was no doubt in their minds that He was. His presence was clearly seen through many miracles and the pillars of cloud and fire. If God was not evident, I could understand why they would complain, but God was always visibly with them.
      Although I have many problems with the Israelites, I realized another sad truth through their example. We have certain qualities that the Israelites had. We also doubt that God cares for us, and that He will provide for us. We complain when things go bad, and we question God's leading. We disobey God, just as the Israelites disobeyed God through their sin and fear. We find it very difficult to trust God and in His plans for us, even if we believe they are good.
      There is one difference between us and the Israelites you may have thought of that justifies our actions. The Israelites had God in their midst, and they clearly saw Him. They knew He was with them, yet they still could not trust Him. We can't see God as they did, so it is much harder to trust Him. I thought so too, but then I realized another truth; God is more accessible to us than for the Israelites. How so? Jesus Christ has opened a door for us that the Israelites never had. He tore the veil that separated people from God, and we now have unlimited access to God. We are just as guilty as the Israelites or even more because God is with us. Trust God and His plans, and pray to know more of Him everyday. Jesus died to show us His love for us, and He is waiting for us to give our lives to Him and to trust Him with our lives.
-Smart