1 Corinthians 10:1-33
It has been said, "Those who don't know history are bound to repeat the mistakes of history." Israel's deliverance from Egypt and subsequent experience in the wilderness is part of Bible history. Paul wrote, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." 1 Corinthians 10:11. Pay attention.
The children of Israel were miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage. "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way...." Exodus 13:21. They passed through the Red Sea on dry ground, an experience that Paul compared to baptism, saying, "All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." There weren't any supermarkets in the wilderness, so God provided manna from heaven, which tasted like wafers made with honey. This "spiritual food" was God's version of Frosted Flakes. The people's thirst was also quenched by "spiritual drink," when water came forth from a rock which was struck by Moses' rod. The spiritual Rock that followed them was Christ. All of the Israelites experienced these things. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
"But with most of them God was not pleased...." Why not? The people lusted after evil things, became idolatrous worshipers of a golden calf, committed sexual immorality, tested Christ, and were chronic complainers. God dealt with them, scattering their bodies in the wilderness, slaughtering twenty-three thousand in one day, and destroying others by serpents.
Obviously, these were examples not to be followed. The Christians at Corinth were surrounded by a corrupt, immoral, idolatrous society. Believers had experienced redemption from their own Egypt, and had been baptized. They had tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Now here is the warning: Don't think that this cannot happen to you. "Therefore let him who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12.
No one lives apart from trials and temptations. "But God, who is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able...will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13. With every temptation God presents an open door through which we may get away. Sometimes we have to make a quick exit. But the way of escape is there.
Some would tell us to live and learn. However, Paul would say that we should learn from the examples of others, good and bad, and live for the glory of God. Learn and live.
Lord, how we need You in our daily walk! Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Thank You for the examples that You give. Teach us to walk humbly with You. In Jesus' name. Amen!
