Wet Blankets on the Move

Read Numbers 15:1–21:35

2. There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron.
3. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers!
4. Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock?
5. Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” Numbers 20:2-5

The most negative person you know is probably not your favorite person. We are so averse to negative people that we have a small arsenal of verbal flyswatters devoted to shooing them away: “One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.” “Don’t rain on my parade.” “Don’t be a party pooper.” “Don’t be a stick in the mud.” “You’re such a wet blanket.”

Many of the Israelites in this reading are “wet blankets.” They struggle with bad attitudes that eventually lead to drastic and devastating consequences. Here you can see the enormous damage that negative attitudes can do.

There are other lessons in this passage on (1) ambition (good or bad?); (2) tithing; and (3) recognizing when we ourselves are at fault.

After witnessing spectacular miracles and experiencing the actual presence of God, the Israelites still grumbled and rebelled against the Lord (Numbers 14:1-10; 20:2-5). We may wonder how they could be so blind and ignorant, yet aren’t we just like them? Despite centuries of evidence, scores of Bible translations, and the convincing results of archaeological and historical studies, people today continue to grumble against God and go their own way.

Rebellion against God begins with dissatisfaction and skepticism, with grumbling about God and present circumstances. Then follows bitterness and resentment, and lastly, open hostility and rebellion.

If you are often dissatisfied, skeptical, complaining, or bitter—beware! These attitudes color your perspective and bias you against God. You can escape this trap by choosing a better attitude. Has God guided and protected you? Has he answered your prayers? Do you know people who have experienced remarkable blessings and healings? Do you know Bible stories about the way God has led his people? Focus your thoughts on what God has done.