Episode 165: 1 Corinthians 10

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 10

I have not forgotten the lessons learned from the children of Israel as they walked through the wilderness under the cloud of God's glory and passed through the waters of the sea on dry ground. Although in the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses... Although they all ate the same heavenly manna and drank the same spiritual water from the spiritual rock that traveled with them -- and that Rock was Christ himself -- they still displeased God and most of them died in the wilderness, never reaching the promised land. 

These things served as types and pictures for me -- lessons that teach me not to fail in the same way by callously craving worthless things, or worshipping idols as some of them did. I must not embrace their ways by complaining, or grumbling with discontent. And I must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did.

All the tests they endured on their way through the wilderness are a symbolic picture, an example that provides me with a warning so I can learn through what they experienced. During these last days, the purpose of all the ages past is now completing its goal within me. 

I am not overly confident in my own strength, lest my pride becomes my downfall. I know that the temptations in my life are no different from what others experience. But God is faithful to me. He will not allow any temptation to be more than I can stand, without showing me a way out so that I can endure and come out of it victoriously.

I flee from worshipping the things of this world. I am a reasonable person. And I can discern that God's Word is true. When I drink from the cup of communion at the Lord’s Table, I am sharing the blood of Christ, co-participating with my brothers and sisters. And when I eat the bread, I am sharing in the body of Christ. For although the members of the body of Christ are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. Just as the people of Israel were united by eating the sacrifices at the altar.

I cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. I cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. I don't dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy. My strength is found only in him.

And even though I am free under grace, I still can't do everything I please. Not everything is good for me. And not everything promotes growth in others. While I may be able to do what I want, not everything causes the spiritual advancement of others. 

I don't seek to do what is best for me at the expense of another. So, although I'm free to eat anything without worrying about my conscience, for the earth and all its abundance belongs to the Lord, I will pass on eating what would bother the conscience of another who may be present. There is no benefit in doing what I please if it's condemned by someone else. 

Whatever I eat or drink, whatever I do, I do it all for the glory of God. I do my best not to offend others. And I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. I live my life in a way that glorifies and honors God.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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