The busyness of life has limited my writing. If that matters to you, I apologise. The following comes from a question the Lord has needed to ask me many times when I display covertness (equals idolatry) through my grumblings. “Is Jesus Enough?”

After being released from slavery, the people of Israel complained. They craved the foods of Egypt, the things of slavery, rather than being with their God in freedom. He was sustaining them to prepare them for life with Himself within the land of promise.

But they craved: ‘Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”’ (Numbers 11:4-6 ESV)

This life we now live is God’s preparation for our promised dwelling place, the New Jerusalem. In this life we are to learn to be satisfied in Him. As He did for Israel in the wilderness, Jesus goes with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All that we have, and all that we experience, is preparing us for the New Creation where Jesus will be our “All”.

Sadly, when I hear people (including Christians) speak of the New Creation, I hear descriptions that focus on that which they consider the best of life on earth. They talk of the best health, the best of leisure activity, luxury, and the greatest prosperity.

In essence, so many want to bring all of “Egypt” with them to Heaven. It appears that they do not think that the presence of Jesus will be enough to sustain them (let alone to delight them) throughout eternity. Like Adam, they think God is withholding something.

Surely this present life is the place to learn that Jesus is enough. If He’s not enough now; then will His presence be enough in Eternity. How many times did Jesus require followers to be ready to give up all for Him?

So many want Jesus as a compliment to the “leeks and garlic”. They say in their hearts: “Give me all of Egypt now, and all of the promised land in an instant, later; seamlessly”

I am concerned for those who despise the time in the wilderness, and clamour for the trappings of this life. Those who do not want Jesus above all else. There is another eternal dwelling made for those who reject Jesus.

‘Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.’ (Revelation 22:1-5 ESV)