Friday, March 4, 2016
1 Corinthians 10:11-13 ...Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
BE FAITHFUL TO OUR FAITHFUL GOD (5)
The words "Now all these things happened to them as examples..." is a reminder that history is recorded for our learning. Especially is that true of BIBLE history.
Because of the sinful human nature, temptations are "common" -- as common as is the devil himself. And the devil's ally, that sinful flesh, likes to suggest, "So what if I fall into sin, I can hurry and repent, what does it matter?" To succumb, or to think we don't need church or don't need to learn more about God, means our spiritual life is imperiled.
Time and again our forefathers were unfaithful to God and deserved His judgment. Yet God was always faithful to His promises and forgave them. Though a generation of Israelites did die out in the wilderness, yet God gave His people the promised Savior and the Promised Land. In the Lord's Prayer we pray, "Lead us not into temptation...." That refers to God giving us strength to resist temptation. He promises that He will help us endure so we won't be engulfed by any trial or temptation that comes our way.
It's still that way today. Though we have sinned, God has been faithful to us, for "the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin...if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:7ff). Our faithful God can be counted on always and everywhere and any time.
Come to Calvary's holy mountain Sinners, ruined by the Fall;
Here a pure and healing fountain Flows to you, to me, to all,
In a full, perpetual tide, Opened when our Savior died.
He that drinks shall live forever; 'Tis a soul-renewing flood.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 149)
