“And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?”
Numbers 11:1,4
These are likened unto the backsliders (believers) that are worldly old goats, and the unconverted (non-believers) that may attend a Bible believing church for a short period of time or on special occasions, (“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” II Tim. 3:5) This passage also tells us: God hears what we speak and talk about (He knows our hearts) (I Sam. 16:7); the Lord is not One to stand idly by letting the wicked complain against Him (Ex. 16:7-9) and will destroy (consume) them if they turn not (repent).
This chapter is a lesson to “Fear God.” Examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5), repent (change our minds) (“God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” Ps. 7:11-12). Believe the glorious gospel of Christ (that He died for our sins and rose again, if you have not done so) (Rom. 10:9-13; I Cor. 15:1-4); backslider confessing your sins (I John 1:9-10), getting right with our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
Another passage in which the Lord shows us that He does not mess around and play paddy-cakes with the wicked. (“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” I Cor. 10:6-12) We must not be high minded, but fear and ever examine our ways. Laying aside the weight and sin that easily besets us. Looking unto Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:1-2)
A tell-tale sign of a backslider is one who is full of himself. (“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Prov. 14:14) Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt. 12:34). A good man is: giving, meek and is satisfied, trusting in the Lord. Let us endeavor to be and do the same. (“A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.” Prov. 12:2