"Moreover, brethren, I (Paul) do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 (emphasis mine).
In a future post, we will delve into the purpose of journeying through the wilderness for a time. But journeying is very different from wandering. The Israelites allowed fear and unbelief to keep them from entering into everything God had for them. Hebrews 3 uses phrases like "hardened hearts", "testing the Lord", "going astray in their hearts", "not knowing His ways", and concludes with "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief". I've heard it said that "unbelief = missed blessing". Indeed, an entire generation missed out on experiencing the Promised Land. I believe there is a figurative "Promised Land" in each of our lives. It is not a place where things are easy and perfect, but a place where we are living in vibrant faith and communion with the Lord. What keeps us from abiding and advancing in this "land"? Probably the same sins that beset the Israelites. 1 Corinthians 10 goes on to describe these sins.
1. Lust - "...we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted." 1 Cor 10:6b
Numbers 11 describes a time when the Israelites tired of the manna God provided for them daily and lusted after meat instead. Psalm 116:13-15 says "They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." Even though we are saved, lust can be a problem. We are often unsatisfied with what God has given us and constantly wanting something else. Even if God grants our requests, it brings a "leanness to the soul". In this case, the Israelites were complaining that manna (God's provision) wasn't good enough and longing for the food of Egypt (the world). Their lust caused them to lose sight of how bad things had been when they were in bondage. So too, our perspective can become skewed and result in an ungrateful, complaining attitude. This is a definite hindrance in the journey to the Promised Land.
Thought Question: Can you identify ways that lust has crept into your life? If so, confess it to the Lord and ask Him for a thankful heart. Maybe spend some time today thanking Him for specific provisions and blessings in your life.
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3 comments:
oh yes - it's interesting because the word "lust" is not something I would use. However, I understand the reason for using this. It seems like we can lust for things that are good, yet, when consumed by our minds they become lust and sin.
I agree - we usually think of the word "lust" in a sexual sense. But the greek word "epithumia" actually means a "strong desire of any kind" (Vine's Dictionary). Some places in Scripture it is used of a good desire. But in most places it has a bad sense.
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