Lest We Forget the Past

Ancient Israel is documented throughout the pages of scriptures as a prime example for us not to trifle with God's goodness. They were God's chosen people not because they superior than any other nation or people but because of God's covenantal and providential love for them. For over forty years God faithfully guided ancient Israel in their wilderness experience. This is to say, he sustain them by providing heavenly manna or heavenly bread; he protected them from scorch heat and rocky terrain by providing them with a cloud of pillow by day and a pillow of fire by night. Most importantly he delivered them from the bondage of the Egyptians slavery. But despite the number of miracles on their behalf and Gods divine presence they constantly tested God's patience and goodness by griping, murmuring and complaining.

This illustration of Israel in the wilderness is more than a mere sad narrative. It is not given for our intellectual enjoyment. It is given to teach us something. It is to teach us how we ought to live. It is not just for Sabbath morning. It gives us a life lesson that we ought to be always mindful of falling in the wilderness of sin

Why is this so important?

Because temptation is going to come on Monday and on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week. It is important that we understand the consequences of sin. It will only be then that we will be able to use God's provision against its lure.

Israel is a type of the Christian. The exodus from Egypt is a picture of the conversion experience of the Christian.

Just as all of Israelites were under the cloud, so we have all come under God's protection. Just as all of Israel passed through the sea, so we have all passed from the bondage of sin to freedom in Christ. Just as all of Israel were baptized into Moses, so we have all been baptized into Christ. Just as all of Israel ate the same spiritual food, so we have all been made partakers with the body of Christ. Just as Moses struck the rock so that all of Israel could drink from it, Christ was stricken and died for us so that we can partake of the benefits of His death.

The goal of the Christian life is to win the race -- to enter into the Promised Land. But some are disqualified. Some do not enter in. The reason for this is SIN.