Friday, August 4, 2017

JESUS the Rock (1 Cor.10)

What I'm certain of in these scriptures is that "Jesus" of the Old Testament is mentioned here, letting us know that Christ was always present - accessible - to the people...

(1 Corinthians 10:1-4)  For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 

What I'm not quite certain about is my interpretation of this allegory with the Israelites.  But I do know that my doctrine is correct.  So taking everything into context - and since Paul is speaking to the believers - this is my idea/interpretation:
1)  An Israelite was born into this race and therefore was part of God's chosen people and would always be an Israelite // just as once we become a Christian, we are God's child and we cannot lose our salvation.
2)  By following Moses as their leader the Israelites were "baptized into Moses" // just as we are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit when we decide to follow Jesus (being physically baptized in water is then our public proclamation as well an analogy of the spiritual baptism that we received).
3)  The Israelites ate manna sent from heaven // just as we partake in the communion bread which represents Jesus' body which was broken for us (as well, Jesus is called the Bread of Life).
4)  The Israelites drank the water from the rock // just as we partake in the communion "wine" which represents Jesus' blood that was spilled for us (as well, Jesus is called the Living Water).
5)  The spiritual rock that followed them was Christ. //  Just as Jesus is our rock and foundation and is always there for us.

6)  FROM THE VERSES BELOW.   (Just because the Israelites were "God's chosen people", did not make them "saved" or believers.  So for this allegory, the point is that they are ISRAELITES.)  Even though the Israelites were God's chosen people, many of them were disobedient, yet they always were Israelites, and they died as Israelites.  // While here on earth, as Christians, we will still sin.  God knows that we cannot be perfect and so, besides His grace, He is faithful and offers us help throughout our struggles to do God's will ...

(1 Corinthians 10:5-)  Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.  Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 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, so that you will be able to endure it.

We can never use the excuse that "the temptation was just too much" or "the devil made me do it".  We always have choices to make, which includes avoiding evil in the first place, but when we find ourselves facing a test or trial...

(James 1:12-18)  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

As well, notice that God will always provide the way of escape, but we still need to choose to take it!  And - Jesus is our Rock - our solid foundation who is always with us, who understands.  Why not ask for help???  Pray without ceasing!  No matter the circumstance, never hesitate to pray!...

(Hebrews 4:14-16)  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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