For our admonition. 1 Corinthians 10:11. So many things happened to the Israelites. Why did they not learn? They experienced great deliverances which took place when they were in fear, yet they spurned the God who delivered them and they began to complain. Can it be possible that I’d do the same?
Miracles abounded and they enjoyed to the full all God provided as His blessings fell on them from His gracious hand. They had heavenly bread - the manna, earthly meat - the quails, and water from the rock which followed them. Yet, they seemed to take for granted all of those blessings from God and got used to all of those undeserved necessities of life as if they were worthy of them. Can it be possible that I’d do the same?
Forty years of traveling and their shoes didn’t wear out, and their clothes either. Forty years food was always right near at hand for their taking. Forty years of learning, but not seeming to hear. Over twice forty years I’ve been on this journey. Can it be possible that I’d do the same?
Why is it I have to learn over again much of what I have learned but for some reason have never retained nor lived in the full light of all that I’ve gained? Can it be possible that I’d do the same? God help me to learn from those who’ve gone on before, who have taught me, been patient with me, and allowed me time to recover from my mistakes. Help me to claim things I’ve often ignored and help me to learn lessons from those long ago. Then it’s possible I’d not do the same.
What difference does it make to God, if it’s chicken or a steak? The difference comes when what I do, where I go, and what I say, makes a difference in my brother’s life. If any of those things make him stronger in his faith, that is good. If it challenges him and or stumbles him, that is bad. So, for his conscience, joy, peace, and God’s glory too, I will take a different kind of meat or another course in life that will I choose. It doesn’t matter not to me if from the shambles or market, we choose a roast of pork, beef, lamb, or even duck or goose. But to him and to my God above, whose glory I seek, my choices are important, for my brother’s conscience may be weak.
God’s glory is the point; His honor, worth, and praise are to be my point of reference and the reason for my few days here on earth. Here on earth, the daily tensions and the challenges of life to be faced can be of value to my soul, and give my brother some spiritual light to guide him on his journey. O God of grace and glory, O God of truth and might; please grant to me the wisdom, to always walk in the light. Give me the care and kindness within this soul of mine, to bless those all around me, all glory will be Thine.
There is a great contrast between the idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. The first is attractive to the flesh and appeals to one’s sinful nature. The Lord’s Supper lifts our souls and spirit to remember we have been joined to our Lord Jesus Christ as members of His body. We partake of the cup of thanksgiving as an act of faith in which we testify to the eternal life we have been given as a gift from God. The loaf of bread from which we take a part symbolizes the fact that we are unified with other believers in the body of Christ and find the nourishment of our new life by being “in Christ.”
Even though Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ and are “free” from being judged by the consciences of others, we need to consider there is a higher principle that guides our conduct. True, I have the right to have and do those things that are unique to a child of God, but what affects the consciences of my brothers and sisters in Christ has to be considered. We are members of the same body and so my freedom is not governed only by what I want but also by the consciences of others. I must abstain from lawful things and activities I may want in order that others might be blessed and receive a benefit.
Not only will believers be encouraged and strengthened by my attitude and actions, but through them may be saved from falling into sin because of temptation, and even unbelievers may be saved from hell and for heaven by seeing the grace of God being lived out in the lives of caring Christians.