Nov
30
Written by:
Pastor Jesse Nicholson
11/30/2011 12:29 PM
This past Sunday I preached a message from I Corinthians 10:1-13. It is a sobering passage that deals with the failures of God’s Children, Israel. God showed himself faithful in leading them through the Red Sea, feeding them in the wilderness, and in providing water for them. Yet they questioned Him and complained about their circumstances. Most of them died in the wilderness (all but Joshua, Caleb and those under 20).
The Bible says that this passage was written for our example. It was written so we learn from their mistakes. But, how many of us complain when we don’t have money to do something (that really isn’t a need), or that hard times have fallen upon us and we don’t know what we are going to do? When we respond that way we are following the example of the Israelites rather than learning from their ‘bad’ example. We need to trust the Lord through all times. James said you are to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” (NKJV) That takes a spiritually mature individual.
Unfortunately there are those who feel that they have arrived in this area of trust. They point the finger at others who have not learned. Those individuals are addressed as well in verse 12. If God’s people would spend more time on living their own lives they would find they have their hands full. Spending time blogging about people who fail rather than spending the time making sure I am not failing should be the approach. (I know, right now I am guilty of blogging and even pointing a finger at those who are pointing the finger—hypocrite.)
Let’s focus on learning from the mistakes of others, avoid doing the same as they did, and trust the Lord that He knows what He is doing (Proverbs 3:5-6). I just read a missionary prayer letter today that interpreted those verses this way, “it is like registering a letter at the Post Office. You register it, it leaves your hands, and you have no more control over it. With your situation in life, “register” your need with the Lord. Place it in His hands and then do not attempt to interfere with it again.” (Dave and Elwanda Fields, Sept. 10, 2011 prayer letter). Good advice!