“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 down with a severe plague. Therefore, the place was named Kibroth Hattaavah (graves of craving), because there they buried the people who had craved other food.” Numbers 11:33-34
After completing several Bible studies recently, I’ve discovered the importance of starting my day with God’s word. I try very hard not to do anything else before opening the Bible, even if I only have time for one chapter. Please read Numbers 11 – God’s Word is truly what transforms our lives!
In a nutshell, the Israelites complained that they weren’t able to eat meat like they could while they were slaves. They grumbled that being in captivity was better than just eating plain ol’ manna in the dessert, following God’s will. How this struck me! When I’m following God’s will and eating healthy things, there are times that I crave “richer” foods, be it pasta, bread, cheese, butter, salty snacks or sweets. Food has held me in captivity far too long in my life, and yet I willingly go back when I give into my fleshly desires. But, I know in my heart that following God’s will – while it may feel plain or barren like a dessert at times – is FAR better than living in captivity my whole life.
The next part struck me even more. God’s anger burned against these people. There’s no one who I want to please more than my Lord. The thought of Him being angry with me is highly motivating to change my habits. This also makes me go back to the same question I’ve been asking myself repeatedly – what is my motivation for losing weight? Am I doing this for my glory or for the Lord’s? Do I want to be skinny to be beautiful in the world’s eyes or am I losing weight because God has called me to be free from bondage and wholly set apart for Him? Again, I have to die to my flesh in another way and say no matter the outcome or my looks, my goal is to have my body be a holy temple for the Holy Spirit’s dwelling. With the Lord’s help, may I rid myself from the burden of sin and the yoke of food addiction that I have so willingly put on day after day!!!
Lastly from this Scripture, I realized that we dig our graves with our cravings. God sent a plague for these Israelites and they died from craving food that wasn’t holy. What almost kills me is that God actually sent the food as an answer to their complaint. But, it was an issue of where their heart was. Even though there is lots of food available – and the food isn’t always necessarily bad in and of itself – we must always check our hearts and make sure that we’re seeking God’s will and His favor rather than captivity in what we choose to eat and what our hearts crave. Obesity is a killer, a plague in and of itself. From diabetes to heart failure to aches and pains, what we consume can bring catastrophic consequences for our bodies and hinder us from living the abundant life that God has called us to live.
Today as you think about what to eat, I pray that this Scripture will come to your mind and the Lord will direct you in what He would have you ingest…may it be like bread from heaven!
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word. We praise You that You haven’t given up on us! Lord, there are times that we crave things we shouldn’t – please forgive us and help us start fresh today with listening to your Holy Spirit. Guide us in our choices and may You receive all the glory for the work You’re doing in us. Help us keep our bodies in shape as the holy temple where You dwell. We love you, Jesus. In Your name we pray, AMEN!!!
VALGOOD 