Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ[c] to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 

I recently had the opportunity to go back to where I grew up and went to college recently while on vacation and it was an awesome experience. While away at those places I had a chance to reminisce on all the good times, but also reflect on some of the bad moments as well. During the time I was able to think back to the times where I procrastinated studying for a test and failing it, or when I talked back to my parents and received their wrath  by way of the belt. I enjoyed getting the chance to look back and think of all the lessons I learned during those seasons which helped me to grow into the man I am today.

In 1 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul wrote a challenging letter to the churches of Corinth encouraging them to walk in the Lord. He shares about the Israelite people of old and their stubborn ways during their time in the wilderness. Paul was sharing how the example set by the Israelites in that season ought to be a lesson on how NOT to live as followers of Christ. In the same way our call as believers is to take heed of what has come about from the past and learn from it, not repeat it. 

What does that look like for you? FIrst of all I am so thankful for my past being forgiven through the finished work of Jesus on the cross! It has been forgiven. However, we ought not use the grace we have received as a license to live however we want. We ought to reflect on the negative effects of indulging in sin the Israelites experienced and run hard toward Jesus. Listen friend: Jesus is better! He IS BETTER. May we choose to die to ourselves and live for Jesus. Let’s learn from the lessons of the people of old and choose to answer Paul’s call to live for Jesus!

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for me! Help me to see that You are better. Help me to learn from the lessons the Israelites learned and instead of indulging in sin, may we choose to live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Galatians 3:28: 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.