Thursday, March 3, 2016
1 Corinthians 10:9-12 ...nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 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.
BE FAITHFUL TO OUR FAITHFUL GOD (4)
Christians in ancient Corinth lived in a do-your-own-thing amoral society. So do we. The Lord's apostle has been warning about sins which war against a Christian's faith-life. Countless are Satan's temptations to sully and discredit the name of our Savior by bringing shame to His name.
How often we read of the Israelites grumbling against God--and that, in spite of His faithfulness towards them. Time and again the people challenged God. They were rarely, if ever, satisfied with their situation. They put God's patience, His power, His faithfulness to the test. As just judgment God punished them, once with snakes (Numbers 21) and once by opening the earth to swallow them (Numbers 16).
These examples and admonitions are for us "end-time" Christians too. Think of the advantage we New Testament believers have over the Israelites who could only hope for the coming of Christ. We have seen with eyes of faith the glorious fulfillment of all God’s promises. Christ came. He is our Savior. In Him we have forgiveness of all sins. In Him we have eternal salvation.
Surely, having that saving gospel in heart and mind will influence our attitude. Day by day and situation by situation, in place of murmuring or complaining, let there be praise and thanksgiving, knowing that "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."
"Come unto Me, ye fainting, And I will give you life."
O cheering voice of Jesus, Which comes to aid our strife!
The Foe is stern and eager, The fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty And stronger than the strong.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 276:4)
