The exodus of the Israelites serves as an example to us today. Paul draws the illustration for us clearly in 1 Corinthians 10. Consider the text there:
Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 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.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 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. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.-1 Corinthians 10:5-12
The apostles says, “…these things happened to them as an example…” An example for who? They are examples for all mankind. The Spirit guided the writers of the Bible to records these Bible stories to guide and direct men. Consider the great lessons learned from the mistakes of the wilderness wanderers.
- They followed after idols. Paul’s description of sitting down to eat and rising up to play is a reference to the children of Israel feasting before the calf in Exodus 32. Paul warns Christians against modern idolatry in passages such as Colossians 3:5, “Put to death…covetousness, which is idolatry.” Learn from the Israelites. Avoid covetousness-or idolatry.
- They indulged in sexual immorality. In Numbers 25 over 20,000 fell due to the licentious contact with the daughters of Moab. Christians are to avoid sexual immorality just like Israel. While we have no fear of a plague, we do fear the judgment.
- They continually complained. Paul used the word “grumble.” Christians are told to do “all things” without complaining (Philippians 2:14). The Israelites complained about every single part of their lives and even asked to return to Egypt’s slavery.
What is the application? These things were written for our instruction. Obviously we understand the instruction. We should avoid idolatry, avoid immorality, and stop complaining. As a general evaluation, how are Christians doing on avoiding the wilderness mindset?
Are we truly avoiding the problem of idolatry? When Christians miss assemblies to go to a sporting event or vacation, can we truly say we are putting God before everything else? When children miss bible class to finish their homework, can we truly say we are putting God before everything else?
Are we truly avoiding sexual immorality? It’s scary to realize that many young people who attend the assemblies on a regular basis are involved in dangerous practices that can easily lead to sexual immorality. Too many Christian homes have been damaged and destroyed by the infidelity of one or both spouses.
Have we stopped complaining? Christians could certainly complain less. We’ve all heard the complaints-someone doesn’t like the preacher’s lesson, someone else is upset with the song selection, another member doesn’t like any of the teachers for the quarter, another person complains that the elders don’t do enough for them, and the list goes on and on.
As we’ve been studying through Exodus and you compare the wilderness wanderers to Christians today you begin to wonder if we have learned the lessons. Have we gained from their example? Do we understand the dangers of repeating their mistakes of idolatry, immorality, and complaining? Learn the lessons today. That’s why God has preserved them for us!
