Daily Manna: Learn From The Past

Tuesday 03, September 2013

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-12

KEY VERSE: “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Corinthians 10:6).

It was reported not too long ago that the centrally administered examination into universities in Nigeria recorded a mind-boggling failure. Yet, many of the questions set yearly are said to be similar or even a repetition of previous years’. Obviously, candidates who fail to study and learn from past question papers always join the league of those who fail. And those who fail to learn and take warning from past experiences are doomed to relive same.

The passage for today is a sober reflection of the wilderness experience of the children of Israel on their way to Canaan. It reviews the pathetic backsliding of the chosen race into common sin, fringe religions and perverted cultures of heathen nations. Miracles of provisions, protection and divine presence were a common experience for Israel. Strangely, they easily slid back into sexual immorality, idolatry, murmuring, carnality, revelry, evil desires, pleasure-seeking and presumption. Many of them died summarily in the wilderness.

Israel’s experience is a lesson for present-day believers. Disobedience to God’s word creates a chance for Satan to gain an in-road into one’s life. Many believers give way to temptations as if it were impossible for them to resist. If we cannot control ourselves and overcome those things that destroy unbelievers and make them miserable, haven’t we then received the grace of God in vain?

Are you born again? Hold fast to that which you have received. Do not make natural weakness or infirmity of the mind an excuse to go back to sin. Things doubtful and tempting must not be toyed with; flee every appearance of evil to avoid a sorrowful end like the children of Israel. Those who believe that they can sincerely live as believers without turning away from unrighteous behaviour and conduct should take warning from God’s judgments upon Israel.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: There is no eternal security for sinning Christians.

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