Lessons from the History of Israel
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
The verb "ginomai" means “to come into being”. It means that they are not just simply but chance or accident. Israel's History is more than just a simple historical event.
It is amazing to know and discover that the History of Israel is recorded not just by accident but because Our Sovereign God had it recorded through the Scriptures because He had us in mind. Israel's History is divinely designed to speak to us, designed to influence our life positively for God and His purposes for us.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7)
The History of Israel had analogies and illustrations that encourages, instructs and warns.
The Scripture is God’s personal word to us, not just to encourage us or bless us, but also to help us become all that He designed us to be!
God designed us to be instruments for His glory!
Most of God's words are positive and encouraging, providing us providing comfort and hope.It is also designed to inspire us on ending attitudes and behaviors that are inconsistent to our New Life in Him.
Some lessons aim to provide us with instructive warnings because of our own sinful natures. The History of Israel illustrates things that what we should not be, as well as showed us things that could happen to us should we take our blessings for granted and presume upon the Lord.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:6-13)
Here are some of the Lessons that we can learn from Israel's History.
Things to Avoid:
Craving for Evil Things
Idolatry
Immoral actions
Trying God as some of them did
Complacency towards the Word of God
Grumbling
Giving much more importance on the Showy gifts
Externalism in Worship
Strong tendencies toward Self indulgence
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)