1 Corinthians 10:1-22
Thursday, 25 November 2021
Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. -1 Cor.10:11
The Word of God is alive and active, it always edifies, corrects, warns and helps us to grow spiritually. It is our manual and the Word of God does not hide the mistakes that man does, especially the children of God. It has always pointed out our mistakes and instructed us to take corrective actions. Moreover, God in His mercy provides multiple chances to people to repent and turn to God.
In today’s reading the Holy Spirit gives us a forewarning and admonition (v.11). We see the blessings which the Israelites received yet their response to God. Because of their rebellious nature, God punished them.
Blessings received by the Children of God
They were under the cloud (v1)-The Cloud shows the presence of God. (Exo.14:19-20,40:34-38).Today for us, Jesus said “I am with you always, to the end of the age."(Matt.28:20b).
Passed through the Sea(v1): It shows that the mighty hand of God was with the children of God. It symbolises water baptism. It is a declaration of freedom from slavery and a change from the old man to a new creation.
Baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea (v2): As they joined with Moses, we join with Christ. (Gal.3:27). It represents baptism in water and in the Holy Spirit (Matt.3:11)
Ate the same Spiritual food(v3): They had the supernaturally given food-Man ate of the bread of the angels;(Psalm.78:25).The written word of God is given to us for our daily bread.
Drank the same Spiritual drink (v4): They drank of the spiritual drink from the smitten rock; and that rock was CHRIST. For us the same provision is given by God (John 7:37-38).
After receiving these blessings what happened to them? But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness (v5). Why?
The mistakes committed by the Children of God
Lust after evil things (v6):- They set their heart upon evil things. Do not desire or lust after evil and the things of the world as they did.
Idolatry (v7):- After they experienced the marvellous work, they just turned their hearts towards the idols (Exo. 32:4,6). An Idol is anything that which we prioritize more than our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fornication (v8):- Due to Sexual Immorality 23,000 died on a single day (Num.25:1-18). For a child of God, boundary lines are clearly drawn in the written manual. Crossing that limit, leads to major consequences.
Tempting God/Christ (v9):- They hardened their hearts and rebelled which provoked God and due to that many of them were destroyed. Rebelling against God begins in the heart (Acts 7:39) and slowly it extends to God-given authorities. Submit to Him!
Murmuring (v10):- After receiving all the blessings they murmured against God and the authorities God placed over them. Discontent is one of the major causes we can see all around, but giving thanks for each and everything will surely help us to stay in godly happiness throughout life.
Those who understood their mistakes, repented and returned to Him, God forgive them and many of them were mightily used and to those who rebelled and closed their heart to the instructions, received the punishment. “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die…” (Ezek.33:11). Therefore do not be proud-if you have strayed from God and fallen into sin, repent and turn to Him. Hide behind the cross /be humble and flee from idolatry (Vs.12 &14).
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, help me to be thankful always and give me the grace to face every difficulty in life. You are a faithful Lord and you never leave me nor forsake me. Amen.”