NUMBERS 11: 4-6, 10-16, 24-29

THE BACKGROUND

The book of Numbers is an interesting combination of a narrative of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and organizational instructions from God.  Up to this point in Numbers, Israel has been encamped at Sinai, getting instructions from God, and eating manna.  In the verses preceding today’s selection, they have broken camp, and are on a three day’s journey.

THE DETAIL

  • It appears that a group of the Israelites were more trouble than the rest.  They are called “the rabble”.  They are stirring up trouble, complaining about the monotonous food they were provided.  They were sick of eating only manna.  They remembered the “good old days” of slavery in Egypt (!).  At least they had fresh produce to eat.  They wanted some meat to eat.  (vv. 4-6)
  • This complaining upsets Moses greatly.  He goes into a tirade with God, and does some complaining of his own.  He is sick and tired of carrying the burden of these people on his shoulders.  He’d rather die than carry on.  (vv. 10-15)
  • First, God answers Moses’ complaint.  He tells Moses to gather 70 elders of the tribes of Israel.  Next, God draws near in a cloud, and distributes some of the spirit that was on Moses to all the elders.  They prophesied in a manner much like the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  (vv. 16, 24-25)
  • Interestingly, two of the 70 didn’t make it to the event; the Spirit still rested upon them within the camp.  Someone reported this to Moses.  Maybe they were expecting these tardy two to be punished for their receiving the Spirit.  Instead, Moses makes a brilliant statement.  It’s OK. In truth, he’d like to see everyone this spirit-filled.  (vv. 26-29)
  • In the verses omitted, verses 17-23, there is a dialogue between Moses and the people. The people demand meat, and Moses argues with them.


THE TAKEAWAY

By God’s providing manna for the people, God gave them what they needed. Manna was all they needed for their wilderness journey.  But the people complained about the monotony of the food, and wanted more.  God’s answer to the people and to Moses’ frustration is twofold.  First, He provides Moses with some help.  Moses’ burden is shared with 70 elders.  Second, in the verses following today’s selection, we read that God provided an abundance of quail for them to eat. 

The important thing to takeaway from today’s lesson is Moses’ reaction to the two elders receiving the Spirit within the camp.  This is similar to the gospel lesson for today.  We should pray for the Spirit to rest on everyone, and not just an authorized few.
 

JAMES 5:13-20

THE BACKGROUND

Over the past few weeks, we have been reading from the book of James.  It is a book of Christian wisdom and instruction; a guide on how to live a good Christian life.  Next week, we move on to the book of Hebrews for our second readings. 

THE DETAIL

  • James encourages us to pray for one another, in any sort of difficulty.  What is most interesting to me here is that the prayers and concerns are for the whole community of believers.  The faith community should be a working, loving, praying community, caring for the needs of one another.  This is not to say that praying for our personal needs is not important.  But here, we see the value of a loving, Christian community living their lives as the Body of Christ.  (vv. 13-15)
  • This community is so tightly-knit and loving, that they feel comfortable confessing their sins to one another.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be so trusting of our brethren, that we could do this today? What a relief it would be to confess our sins to those who love and understand us.  (v. 16) 
  • James uses the example from the life of Elijah to illustrate the power of prayer.  Through the power of prayer, Elijah started and stopped a drought.  Surely, we are all capable of this same level of prayer power!  (vv. 17-18)
  • Verses 18-19 are a sort of opposite of one part of today’s gospel lesson.  In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about stumbling blocks to faith.  Here, James encourages us to lead others back to faith in Jesus.

THE TAKEAWAY

Prayer is a powerful tool, especially when used within a faith community.  Not only should we pray privately, but we should pray together. We should keep in mind that together, we are the Body of Christ.  Together, we are Jesus’ hands, feet and heart in the world around us.  We should not only pray, but be prepared to act on these prayers.
 

MARK 9:38-50

THE BACKGROUND

By this time in Mark’s gospel, Jesus’ ministry is in full swing.  He has preached, healed and taught thousands of followers.  Now, he is focusing on teaching his disciples the details of The Way.  This is what the early church called following Jesus—The Way.

THE DETAIL

  • In the first paragraph, John reports to Jesus that somebody else is casting out demons in Jesus’ name.  They wanted to shut him down.  Jesus’ response is similar to Moses’ response in our first reading.  He says “Whoever is not against us is for us.”  My daughter would say “It’s all good.”  I think it is important for us to recall these words of Jesus when we start criticizing other denominations.  (vv. 38-41)
  • Then, Jesus seems to change the subject, or does he?  He warns his disciples not to put a “stumbling block” in the way of the faith of “these little ones”.  Who are these little ones?  I take them to be those who have recently, maybe tentatively accepted Jesus.  They need spiritual nurture.  At this point, it doesn’t take much for people to be turned off by other’s actions.  It is important for us believers to show our faith by our actions.  We need to set a good example to others, so that they do not stumble on their faith journey.  (vv. 42-48)
  • Next, Jesus talks about salt in a weird sort of way.  He talks about salt looing it’s saltiness.  Frankly, I don’t think Jesus was much of a cook.  Salt doesn’t behave like that, but all other seasonings do. But Jesus’ point is clear.  If we let the spiciness of our faith fade, how can we do His work effectively?  We need to season our teaching and preaching well, so others can see that Jesus lives within our hearts.

THE TAKEAWAY

Are these three paragraphs related or not?  I believe that they are.  The first one tells me that there’s more than one acceptable “way to skin a cat.”  The second tells me to be cautious about my actions, so that I do not negatively affect the faith-walk of those around me.  The third warns me to spice it up, not down, when I am cautious about my actions.