1Corinthians 10:11. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
EXAMPLES. The events of the past are not without reason. God wanted us to have examples to teach us who are at the end of the ages, how important it is to learn from the blessings and mistakes of others. History is not just a rehash of past events, but a way to draw on what we know about the experiences of previous generations. In the same way, what happens to us will likely be a learning benefit to those who follow us.
Passed through the sea: The baptism of the nation with a cloud of water overhead, and water all around them, they died (were separated from) to Egypt. We, too, are dead to the world and alive to a whole new life. Spiritual meat: The manna from heaven provided life to all who gathered it and ate. Our Bread from heaven is the Lord Jesus Himself, and our spiritual life is sustained by feeding on Him from the Word of God. Spiritual drink: The life-giving water miraculously came from the rock and followed them through the desert, sustaining them for forty years. Eternal life is ours that comes from the Lord Jesus and is ours for the taking and enjoying. By this water we will not perish. Spiritual Rock: To awake morning by morning and see that rock moved from its place and following them, and the water still gushing from it must have been a constant reminder that God was with them. We may rest assured that we are not left alone without provision in this wilderness of the world. Christ is with us all the way. Overthrown (died): It is not a small matter to disobey God. It is not a small matter to complain against His blessings. If I ever turn away from God’s revealed will and choose a path of my own, it will be a righteous act of God to apply whatever chastening is needed. Idolaters: They played and danced before a calf symbolizing the world and its ways. It is a warning to me that if I allow anything to take God’s place in my life, or disobey Him because of stubbornness, I am an idolater. Fornication: Israel mixed in with what was around them. It may not seem to me to be such a serious matter when we are asked to join up with the attractions of religious or social activities around me, but the mixture will dilute the real, and though it might look alright, the reality is that it is no longer what God made it to be. Destroyed of serpents: Complaining about God’s provision for them and the sameness of the food, brought death to many of the people. Some may think that the sameness of the scripture, the provision is not varied, is boring. These folks haven’t tasted of the hidden depths of truth and are only preparing their food in exactly the same way. We have a great variety in God’s Word if only we look for it. He standeth: It is the wise person who realizes self-strength is only as great as my weakest point. My arms may be strong, but my feet weak, and I will still fall. Our strength is in the Lord alone. Temptation: It will happen; it is everywhere; it cannot be avoided. But it never has dominion over me and I am not powerless to resist. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Wise men: Sound judgment is evidence of wisdom in any person. When I hear something said, I am right to evaluate its meaning and reason for being said. Cup of blessing: We have fellowship of life because of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our life is hid with Christ in God. He is the Source of our eternal life. Bread which we break: As members together of Christ’s body, God’s people are united together with Him. Each is an integral part of the whole and is sustained by all other parts. Israel: When one offered a sacrifice to God at the altar, he took part of it for his portion. When we participate in a spiritual sacrifice, we are making some of that sacrifice our own. Sacrifice to idols: To make any offering to that which is not of God means I have been made a partaker of the evil associated with it. That fellowship is diabolical, not spiritual. Cup of the Lord: I am made a partaker of the life that is uniquely Christ’s when I take of the cup. It is evidence that I have eternal life. I am the Lord’s. Cup of devils: Evil of whatever nature it is, is still evil. If it is moral evil, it is the cup of devils. If it is a social evil, it is the cup of devils. If it is religious evil, it is the cup of devils. Table of the Lord: This is where I live. I am at His table as a child or family member sits at his master’s table. I am in a state of continually living with Him. Table of devils: Sinful powers and attractions are continually wanting my participation. It would be impossible for me to mix these two tables together. I am going to be living in one place or the other. Another’s wealth: My responsibility to my brothers and sisters is to see that they are benefited by all that I do. I cannot be satisfied if I alone am able to do what I want. I need to be aware of how they can be blessed through me. Sold in the shambles: The open market is full of options. I am not going to be picky as to who bought what from whom. It is enough that God is the Source of everything, and I will be content with what He provides. Eat: It is never my right to do what I want without regard for the other person’s conscience. If there is something that I do not want or will not eat because of my opinion, I am to submit my preferences to what he has provided. Go to a feast: It is my responsibility to respond to another person’s hospitality, especially if that person is not a believer. I am not at liberty to refuse what he offers. This is offered to idols: When someone points out things that would be offensive to me, I am being tested by another person’s conscience. It is not a matter that bothers my conscience. Partaker by grace: All of God’s blessings are given to me, and I can receive them all with thanksgiving. Whatsoever ye do: God’s glory is the ultimate objective of every choice and every act that I might make or do. Not my profit: My will is to be submissive to whatever God has in mind for the well-being of other people. Profit of many: The greatest profit I can produce is that of the salvation of many souls, and lives for the glory of God.
“Father, I am truly thankful for all the examples found in the scriptures that instruct me and show me the actions to take in the questionable things of life. Even as I learn from those of old, I am impressed with the fact that there may be those who will learn from me. In the hard lessons of life and service, give me the grace to recognize this may profit others. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
1 Corinthians 10:11. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition , upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
FOR OUR ADMONITION. So many things happened – why did they not learn? Great deliverance took place, yet in fear they did spurn The God who delivered them – they began to complain – Can it be possible I’d do the same?
Miracles abounded and they enjoyed to the full, All God provided as His blessings did fall. They seemed to get used to them, and expected it all – Can it be possible I’d do the same?
Forty years of traveling and their shoes didn’t wear; Forty years food was always right near; Forty years of learning, but not seeming to hear – Can it be possible I’d do the same?
Why is it I have to learn over again; Much I have learned but have never retained; Not lived in full light of all that I’ve gained – Can it be possible I’d do the same?
God help me to learn from those who’ve gone on before; Help me to claim things I’ve often ignored; Help me to learn lessons from those long ago – Then it’s possible I’d not do the same.
“I have written about this before, Father, but it seems that there are many lessons for me to learn from those who were called by Thee before my time. Please correct me when I complain; please rebuke me when I step out of line; please convict me when I leave something undone that I should have done. I may not say to Thee at the time I appreciate what You do, but inside my heart I really do. Thank You, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”