March 25, 2013 (Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 1 Corinthians 10:6-7 NLT
Observation: The children of Israel all ate the same spiritual food; all drank the same spiritual water. They drank from the same spiritual rock that traveled with them and that rock was Christ. Yet most of them went astray. They turned away from God and worshiped idols of all kinds. “The people got up early in the morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” (Exodus 32:6) There bodies were scattered in the wilderness because God was not pleased with this. These things are recorded as a warning to us!
Application: How quickly, and easily, we are turned from the truth. One generation goes astray and then passes that tradition along to the next generation leading them astray as well. How ironic it is that this study would come up right before “Easter”, a celebration of Christians around the world that is rooted and steeped in idolatry. A prime example of a people that went astray and then passed on these traditions to many generations after them. Many are worshipping idols unaware of what they are doing. They have never invested the time to seek and understand why they do what they do. They just do it because everyone else is doing it. They just do it because that’s what they’ve always done. Our sincerity is no substitute for obedience and no excuse for disobedience.
Prayer: Dear Lord, open the eyes of my heart. Forgive me for the many years I ignorantly participated in idol worship. I lift up the name of Jesus, and Him alone! You are the only God I desire to worship! Give me the courage and strength to destroy the idols I have in my life, and the lives of my children. Forgive me Lord, in Jesus name, Amen!