We can learn a lot from the mistakes of others. So why do we see some of the same mistakes happening over and over again? Why do we continue to rebel against authority, think we are better than we are, and act like spoiled brats? Paul wanted his audience to look at the past and learn from it. It’s a great idea, and sometimes we can achieve temporary results from doing things differently before old habits resurface. Why do the problems we read about in the past never seem to get fixed? We can do better!
Paul wanted his audience to look back at their ancestors living in the wilderness. Jews would have resonated with that history. God was disappointed because of the evil things the Israelites continued to do despite God’s attempts to rescue and provide for them. Those Israelites were prone to complaining, too. Paul didn’t want these new Christ followers to fall into the same trap of sin and displeasing God.
Did it surprise you how Paul spoke of Christ being there in the wilderness? It does seem a bit obscure, but it wasn’t the man, Jesus; it was Christ, the Creator, who was always present with God. Christ would have been there, just as he was in creation. Paul was connecting the dots for the Jews who would be familiar with the snakebite story. (See Numbers 21 for more about that story and how the Israelites challenged God).
We are all going to face temptation in our lives, and Paul’s teaching here prepares us with a promise. Verse 13 is one I have relied on repeatedly when I feel weak in the face of some temptation. It says: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” Sit with that promise for just a moment. We are all prone to fall, and it helps to realize our innate tendency. But rather than use it as an excuse, we now have the insight we need to overcome. When we remember that God is faithful, standing by, ready to give us what we need to stand strong, we can face any temptation head-on.
Have you ever been in one of those tempting situations? Chances are you have given in a time or two, maybe even this week! Perhaps you have heard a voice in your head telling you to “Wait!” Was that God? Maybe God sent an angel to redirect your actions or remove you from the situation completely. Don’t forget to ask for help when you’re feeling tempted.
Paul circles back to talk more about idols and demons. It’s easy to get caught in the weeds of distractions. We can also waste time worrying about less consequential matters that keep us from spending time with God. Being consumed by idols was a “thing” in those days with all the pagan worship opportunities.
Our idols today don’t look the same, but they can still derail us from following Jesus. Idols are those things we seek or pay attention to that take our focus off God, like money, fame, sports heroes, gossip, and social media. Our idols are often disguised as normal activities. You can probably think of others more applicable to your life.
Idols tempt us. But we can do better because we have the power of God cheering us on. We don’t have to ignore Him or grumble as the Israelites did. We can rejoice that we have a faithful God who wants a better life for us than we could ever imagine. We just need to overcome our own stubbornness and let God lead our lives. That’s how we can do better. We can take a lesson from Paul. He said, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Let’s pray. Yes, Father. That is the cry of my heart. I want all that I do to bring you glory and honor. Forgive me for the times I mess up and let temptations win the day. Help me to rely on your power and faithfulness to overcome those demons. I want to do better each day by showing you my love and devotion and being the light people need to see so they can find you like I have. Thank you for how you love and care for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
