These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV
In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Paul looked back at the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. As he did, he recounted many of the times that Israel disobeyed God. Along with the consequences of their rebellion. And twice in this passage he tells us that those things happened as examples for us today, including in this verse. He is essentially telling us to learn from history.
Learn from History
As tempting as it sometimes is, we need to read the Old Testament as more than just interesting stories. Shaking our heads at the stubbornness of the Israelites. And being thankful that we did not live in that time. It is important to realize that the God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. And is still God today. He has not changed. What he expected from the Israelites in the Old Testament is what he still expects from us today.
He wants his people to be committed to him, and to him alone. He wants us to walk before him by faith. And when we fail to do that, we should expect that he will respond to get our attention and redirect our paths.
Read the Old Testament, as well as the New, to see what God expects of us. Learn from history. And seek to avoid making the same mistakes that so many have made before us. Let their example be a warning to us today.
