That's it, I quit!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow fundamentalists who hold fast to the inerrant Word of God, have you ever reached that breaking point in your walk with the Lord? Where the burdens of life, ministry, or even the complaints of those around you make you cry out, "That's it, I quit!"? If so, turn with me to Numbers 11:1-25, a powerful passage that reveals the heart of a weary leader and the faithfulness of our sovereign God. In this Scripture, we see the Israelites' ungrateful murmuring and Moses' raw desperation—yet through it all, God's provision shines as a reminder that He never leaves His servants to bear the load alone.
Let's dive into the text. The chapter opens with the people complaining "in the hearing of the LORD" (v. 1), and His anger is kindled, sending fire to consume the outskirts of the camp. Moses intercedes, and the fire ceases, but the grumbling doesn't stop. Soon, the rabble among them craves the foods of Egypt—fish, cucumbers, melons—rejecting the miraculous manna God provided daily (vv. 4-6). Their whining spreads like wildfire, infecting the whole camp. This is a stark warning against discontentment, echoing 1 Corinthians 10:10, where Paul reminds us, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." Brethren, in our fundamentalist circles, we must guard against this sin! How often do we pine for the world's comforts, forgetting the bread from heaven—Jesus Christ Himself (John 6:35)?
Now, enter Moses, the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3), pushed to his limit. He cries to God, "Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? ... Kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness" (vv. 11-15). Here is the cry of "That's it, I quit!" Moses feels the weight of leading a rebellious people, as if he alone conceived and carried them. Sound familiar? Pastors, elders, parents in the faith—do you bear the spiritual burdens of your flock or family, feeling overwhelmed? Remember, Moses' plea wasn't rebellion but honest lament, much like David's in Psalm 142:4, "Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul." Or consider Elijah under the broom tree, begging for death after Jezebel's threat (1 Kings 19:4). Even our Lord Jesus, in Gethsemane, prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matthew 26:39). Yet, in each case, submission followed: "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
God's response to Moses is gracious and practical. He doesn't rebuke but instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel, men of proven character, and promises, "I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee" (vv. 16-17). Then, to address the people's lust for meat, God declares He'll provide quail in abundance—enough to make them loathe it (vv. 18-20). And true to His word, the Spirit descends on the elders, who prophesy as a sign of divine empowerment (v. 25). What a picture of God's delegated authority! This foreshadows the New Testament church, where the Holy Spirit equips all believers for service (Acts 2:17-18; Ephesians 4:11-12). Fundamentalists, we affirm the sufficiency of Scripture—here it teaches that leadership isn't a solo act. As in 1 Peter 5:2-3, elders are to shepherd willingly, not lording over the flock, sharing the load under the Chief Shepherd.
So, what does this mean for us today? First, resist complaining. Philippians 2:14 commands, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings," for it provokes God's displeasure. Second, when burdens crush you, cry out to God honestly, but submit to His will. Third, seek godly help—build teams of faithful men and women, as in Titus 1:5-9, appointing elders in every city. Finally, trust God's provision. The same God who fed Israel with manna sustains us through trials, promising in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He won't allow more than we can bear, providing a way of escape.
Beloved, if you're at "That's it, I quit!" today, remember Moses. God didn't let him quit; He lightened the load and fulfilled His promises. Hold fast to the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3), and press on. May this encourage your souls in these last days.
In Christ's service,
DMMC
12-27-25


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