March 2023
by DeQuana Quarles

Where there is ungratefulness...

My church has been reading the Bible in chronological order since January. I've been intentionally praying that I would see what "isn't written"; in other words, I asked God to release the mysteries of His Word to me so that I may have a deeper understanding, and yes, that meant even the Old Testament (although most disregard it). He's undoubtedly answered me every day as I read His Word.

A few weeks ago, I read Numbers 11 and received a revelation worth sharing. But before digging into the chapter, I should provide some context. In the book of Exodus, the LORD GOD delivered the Israelites (God's chosen people) from captivity by the Egyptians; under the appointed leadership of Moses (Exodus 3; Exodus 12:31-42). The LORD GOD promised to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17). The Israelites journeyed to this land with the LORD's guidance (Exodus 13:21), which many times led them to (and ultimately through) Wildernesses. They frequently murmured and complained about their circumstances, even going as far as to say they were better off as captives in Egypt than to be faced with the conditions of their journeys (not recognizing nor understanding the goodness of The LORD GOD). Even still, The LORD GOD was merciful and kind, hearing their cries and providing for them miraculously and continuously- such as when God provided the manna from Heaven in Exodus 16. 

Fast forward to Numbers 11, the Israelites have journeyed to a new Wilderness. Those among them were people who followed out of Egypt; these people began grieving their lives in Egypt (specifically the food), and the Israelites joined them in their complaints (Numbers 11:4-9). But notably, the manna from Heaven had not ceased; it was created for and provided to the Israelites to sustain them until they reached the promised land -no one else had access to this manna; it was specific to them. And even though the Israelites were free, their hearts were still captive in Egypt as they grieved their past life. And because of this, they lacked gratitude (and faith) and angered the LORD GOD. 

While reading this, the Holy Spirit led me to look up the definition of gratitude; of course, I knew, but did I truly understand its meaning? Gratitude is the quality of being thankful, the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Its synonyms are respect, regard, acknowledgment, recognition, etc. In other words, when we aren't grateful, we fail to acknowledge, respect, and recognize God's sovereignty and His loving-kindness toward us. Our expression of gratitude is kindness and appreciation returned to God. Understanding this, I continued to yield to the Holy Spirit and heard:

"Where there is ungratefulness, there lies the presence of greed." 

And honestly, that baffled me. How are ungratefulness and greed related, I thought? So, I look at the definition. Greed is the intense and selfish desire for something (especially wealth, power, or food). One of its main synonyms is covetousness - having or showing a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else. Okay, follow me; the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt, though they partially inhabited a portion of land because of the favor the Pharaoh Potiphar showed Joseph, the Israelite (Genesis 47). When a new Pharaoh arrived, he did not care about the history of Joseph and the Israelites nor the promise Potiphar had made; the Egyptian people feared them because they were great in number, so Pharaoh captured them so they would not overrule the land. So, ultimately, the very things the Israelites desired/lusted after did not belong to them; but the manna did, and the land God promised would be theirs, and most importantly, GOD WAS THEIRS. God is a jealous God, and when we exalt anything above Him, we anger (disrespect/disregard) Him. 

The Israelites were not experiencing lack because they had God; whatever they needed, they could've asked. It was His honor and satisfaction to be the Lord, their God. But they constantly treated God like He wasn't enough - never satisfied with His provision and always doubting His ability to provide. They exalted their desires above His soverignity.

So what am I trying to tell you? I'm warning you to be careful with ungratefulness as it can unintentionally become a sin (greed/covetousness/lust) and is undoubtedly disrespectful to God. Practice gratitude (redirect your heart and mind to revere God) even if the provision wasn't what you expected; GOD STILL PROVIDED, and with Him, you lack nothing. Praise to the Lord, Our God; provider, sustainer, the Great I AM. 

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