Bitter Waters and Friends (Part 2)

When Israel left Egypt, the Bible notes that a "mixed multitude" went with them in Exodus 12:38. This mixed multitude was not of Israeli descent. Most likely, they were residents who were unhappy with the government of Egypt.  This group may have also included captives from foreign conquests who availed themselves of the opportunity to escape when Israel departed. Perhaps the plagues that had come upon Egypt may have motivated some of these people to join the exodus from the country.

It didn't take long before this "mixed multitude" caused problems for Israel. When they received only manna to eat, despite the fact this provision was a miracle sent from God, they "fell to lusting" and complaining against God.  It didn't take long for the Israelites to be influenced by them and join in their murmuring.  The people recalled what they called "the good things of Egypt", which were the fish, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic mentioned in Numbers 11:4.  Really?  Somehow fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic don't seem to make up for living in slavery.  Yet we often look "back to Egypt", desiring to embrace the fleeting pleasures of this world which will enslave us.

In response to their sin of murmuring, complaining, and looking back to the old life, God sent a plague which resulted in many deaths.  He sent a flock of quails which was consumed by the people in Numbers 11:33, "...and while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague." The place where this sad event occurred was named "Kibroth-hattaavah", meaning "the graves of those who lusted."   

When God calls you to go forth on your spiritual journey, be careful about the "mixed multitude" that might want to join you.  Without the same call and destiny, they will only cause you trouble.  A "mixed multitude" that does not grasp your divine mandate will influence you negatively, just as they did Israel.  They will murmur and complain about the circumstances and problems along the way, and you will fall prey to their negativity. Bitter waters have friends and if you drink them long enough the infestation becomes almost to powerful to overcome.

Pastors face a "mixed multitude" in every congregation. They are always looking back to the "good old days".  You will hear comments like, "I remember when..." or "this isn't the way we do things around here".  Your ministry does not lie in the bondage or traditions of the past.  Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" in Luke 9:62.  Your ministry lies in your future, not in your past.  God says in Isaiah 43:29, "Behold, I do a new thing..."

Do not try to travel the road of your ministry with a mixed multitude.  Remember you cannot please everybody and often when you try to do it you miss God's will. Surround yourself with people of like vision and destiny. If your friends seek to hinder your ministry do something about it-go out and find some new friends. Don't let bitter waters bring negative friends and destroy your ministry.