Numbers 11:24-30 Pentecost - by Don Neuendorf
Context. We really don't get what's going on till we look at the context. Consider the Pentecost OT lesson. It would be easy to focus on the fact that the Holy Spirit comes upon the 70 elders (not just on the appointed spiritual leaders - the priests, or Moses and Joshua), and that this is not in competition with Moses.
Taken out of context, I've heard some people try to use this as a justification for not requiring ordination in order to preach or conduct other distinctive tasks of spiritual leadership. That's not the point....
Note the context. The people have been complaining about the lack of meat. Moses has been complaining about the people's impossible demands. Can you remember what it's like when everyone around you is upset - the kids are crying or screaming or begging - the husband (or wife) is grumbling and grousing - the doorbell is ringing - the phone is ringing - the TV is on with some whiney newscaster bringing bad news - the newspaper is spreading doom and gloom. And you just want to scream!
Isn't that how God must have felt? Moses says that even if God were to catch every fish in the sea, it would still not be enough meat for so many people!!! Clearly, Moses is not being rational. He's tearing his hair out. And God responds by saying, "Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
And what is this grand demonstration? Yes, the Lord sends meat in the form of the flocks of quail. But before that, AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT, he sends his Holy Spirit. He demonstrates that HE will be the one in charge here. He will lead through them.
The quail will prove to be a double-sided blessing. It is an answer to prayer - and a curse for their complaining and lack of faith. They quickly grow sick of the meat they wanted so much.
But the gift of God's Spirit is not double sided. This is truly what God desires to give them - and this is what they should really be desiring for themselves.
What about you? What do you really want from the Lord?