Instant fulfilment of cravings and desires is a common trend. Instant gratification, instant popularity, Instant viral videos are the pursuit of young people. The Israelites, in their journey in the wilderness, were provided with Heavenly food of angels, the manna, but were not satisfied with it. (Psalm 78:25) They wanted meat, remembered the food during their slavery, and wanted it immediately. The Psalmist gave four reasons for their disobedience: lust and cravings. (Psalm 106:13-15)
1) Forgot: They forgot the works of God. His loving care, mercy, and deliverance from slavery. The deliverance was a demonstration of the awesome power of God, with signs, wonders, and judgment of plagues on Egypt.
2) Did not wait: They were always in a hurry. Hence, they chose their own ideas, opinions, perceptions, and understanding, instead of waiting for His counsel. A blessed person neither walks in the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in self-counsel. (Psalm 1:1) Instead, meditate on the Word, to renew the mind and discern the pleasant, perfect, and acceptable will of God. (Romans 12:2)
3) Lusted exceedingly: Though they had food provided as Manna, facilitated by angels, they were not satisfied. They desired meat; their desire was a wanton craving. If they were desperate, they could have killed the cattle and had their meals. They behaved as if they were starving and going to die, like Esau assumed. (Genesis 25:29-34) Instead, they murmured and rebelled against Moses and Aaron.
4) Tested God: Challenging God’s power, they asked: “Can God spread a table in the desert/wilderness?” (Psalm 78: 19). Their statement and tone were an expression of doubt, lack of faith, and lack of understanding of God and His power. Nothing is impossible for God. (Luke 1:37) God has the authority to test humans, and no human has the authority to test God.
Terrible consequence: They wanted meat, God gave them, and with that came the leanness into their soul or a wasting disease. The prodigal son got what he wanted, so did Lot; Esau was not better; all of them ultimately ruined their lives.
Do I indulge in wanton cravings?