learning from Israel’s examples

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12

The detailed stories of the lives of people in scripture are meant to guide and warn Christians toward the proper way to follow Christ. Twice in six verses Israel’s story is called an “example” for Christians. First, so that we would not desire evil (1 Corinthians 10:6), and secondly, for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11). It’s worth contemplating from both viewpoints because failure is a very real outcome if we don’t do so!

An example not to desire evil (1 Corinthians 10:6-10). Paul pulls three instances of how Israel in the wilderness desired to do evil. These point to ways our own hearts can seriously falter.

• Do not be idolaters. This was an early pitfall for Israel. Even as God was giving the Ten Commandments, the first of which is “You shall have no other gods before me”, Israel was rebelling in the pagan worship rites of the golden calf! Christians may not be openly worshipping a carved image, but idolatry still abounds. We can worship wealth, prestige, power, relationships, or lifestyles above God. Calvin is right to observe that the human heart is an idol manufacturing factory. 
• We must not indulge in sexual immorality. In a culture of feel-good, anything goes, hedonistic, pleasure-fulfilling, sexual abandon, Christians must hold the God-designed sanctify of true sexual freedom as God has created it: Lovers devoted with joyful freedom to one another in monogamous, lifelong, heterosexual marriage, adoring that union in love with each other, celebrating both body and soul.
• We must not put Christ to the test. Israel grumbled and complained about God… the exact opposite of worship! And we must not doubt the goodness of our Savior in the midst of trials meant to sanctify us and draw us closer in communion to the God Who disciplines in love and provides in our adversity.

An example for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Old Testament is so very useful and practical as a way to see the splendor of the gospel, our liberation in Christ, and the wisdom of God’s guidelines. Christians must look to ALL of scripture to trace the story of Jesus, the goodness of the grace of God, the love of our Father, and the perils of our own sinfulness. Let’s embrace the examples and rejoice in our Savior. Let’s take heed, lest we fall.