Don’t Choke On The Blessing, Part 2of4, Pastor Phil Sessa

Numbers 11:3–34. “33 But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. 34 Therefore the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food”

One might not imagine something as seemingly minute as a lack of contentment to have a great impact. However when Israel was in the desert having come out of Egypt, it wasn’t too long before Israel would choke on the blessing that God gave to them through their discontentment. Although they had an all-you-can-eat manna buffet in the middle of the wilderness provided by God, they were not happy. “4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” They never saw anything is right! They didn’t see God’s provision, God’s protection, God’s guidance, and God’s grace, although God did set a table for them in the desert. How will you keep from choking on the blessing?

1. Don’t lose your appetite. The Israelites physically lost their appetite, because they were not focused on the Lord’s provision. Some however loose their appetite spiritually as well. Some stop seeking God and the good things He is giving them. The Psalmist wrote, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him”, Psalm 34:8. Israel didn’t take refuge in God’s blessing after all, where are to “TASTE” and “SEE” that the Lord IS GOOD, not that He might be good, or that He is good for some and not for others, but for all. How is your spiritual appetite been lately?

2. Appreciate and partake in God’s blessing. There was plenty of manna to go around for everyone. The rabble (non-Israelites) that came out of Egypt benefited by Israel’s relationship with God too. Instead of being grateful, Israel complained about what they didn’t have rather than appreciate what they did have. They had miraculous manna, but craved meat. Do you appreciate what God has given you, or do you want something else? Many want the bigger, better, latest, and top of the line, because “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.” If God has given you your home, job, spouse, children, finances, abilities, spiritual gifts, personality, material goods, one must first be thankful, because He can take it all away if He desired. Job had it all, and then for a time everything was taken away.

3. Fear the Lord. God sent the meat, quail, because he was fed up with the complaining of the Israelites. Psalm 34:9 reads“Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” The Israelites thought they were lacking, but really their needs, not their “greeds” were provided for. God is a Father that provides. Again God can take everything away should He so desire as He did to Job. What Israel craved is meat they anticipated to bring satisfaction to their coveting hearts, but it actually brought death. “While the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed”, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.” All those who died also left behind relationships with friends and family that were affected by their lust for meat. If they would have walked in the fear of the Lord they would have lacked nothing. Psalm 84:11 reads, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

Don’t lose your appetite for the things God has given you. Appreciate and partake of His blessings. Fear the Lord, and see that you will lack nothing, nor with God withhold any good thing He has for you. Until the nets are filled…Blessings, Pastor Phil <><