Posted on April 21, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
As a child growing up, I often heard my father tell me not to be an “Alibi Ike” when I tried to blame someone or something else for what I did. Apparently, the phrase was the name of a baseball movie in the 1930’s.
Our Scripture today is an example of men of Israel being Alibi Ike’s.
Several leaders of Israel gathered 250 chiefs of the congregation and came before Moses complaining that he was exalting himself above others when all of them were holy men (Numbers 16:3). Moses fell on his face before them and told them that God would reveal His chosen man (Vs 4-5).
When he summoned two more men, they refused to come. They were complaining that he took them from Egypt, and on top of that, he hadn’t taken them into the Promised Land (vs. 12-13).
“Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards.” Numbers 16:14.
Seriously? Talk about blame shifting!!
Here they were blaming Moses for failing on the promise. They must have short memories. Three chapters earlier[i], Moses sent 12 spies to spy out the Promised Land and 10 of the spies returned and gave a report filled with obstacles and fear (see Numbers 13:28-29).
Despite Caleb and Joshua’s faith-filled counter-report the people refused to go in and take possession of the land.
“Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night.And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, ‘Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?’And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numbers 14:1-4
As a consequence, God told them they would not enter the land because of their rebellion and disobedience. “But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord,none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice,shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.” Numbers 14:21-23
God clearly placed the “blame” on the people of Israel so their accusation of Moses falls short, because responsibility for not going “into a land flowing with milk and honey, or getting their “inheritance of fields and vineyards” lies squarely on their own shoulders.
If my Dad was there, he would have told them “Don’t be an Alibi Ike.”
Are we prone to look for something or someone else to blame for our situation or actions? Sometimes we need to take a step back to look with objective eyes in order to see things with greater clarity. Let’s not be Alibi Ike’s.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “The more you pray, the less you’ll panic. The more you worship, the less you’ll worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured.” – Rick Warren
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 359 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
J deFelice
00:38 05 Jun 23
Beautiful location and nice facilities. Price and value is terrific for a group retreat. Just booked a quilt retreat here for next spring and can't wait to go. A lovely hidden secret in Ocean county.
Liz Perreault
01:35 01 Jun 23
Favorite place on the planet. God transforms lives here 🤗
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more