Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 10:9
So far, God has shown us several examples of the stubbornness of the children of Israel. Through Paul, God lays out another example, as we read in 1 Corinthians 10:9, “Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.” God had Paul remind the Christians in Corinth of what happened as recorded in Numbers 21:5–9. We read in Numbers 21:5, “The people spoke against God and Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.’” The people of Israel were so arrogant and self-absorbed that they not only spoke against Moses, but they also spoke against God. God had been providing their every need for almost 40 years, and instead of worshipping Him and being ever so thankful for His abundant provision, they griped, complained, and actually told God they hated the food He had provided. God, in His loving discipline, sent fiery serpents among the Israelites, and everyone who was bitten died. We should never put our Lord to the test, as if we deserve more than all He’s already provided for us. We have been given a thousand times more than the Israelites, for we have complete forgiveness of all our sins through Christ our Lord. We have the fullness of His grace, mercy, love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, and so much more. We must live each day choosing a thankful attitude for everything we have already been blessed with through Christ.
Challenge & Application
Why were the children of Israel disciplined so severely, and what is God teaching us?
How are you keeping a thankful attitude each day for all God has done for you through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!