Scripture - 1 Cor. 10:1 through 1 Cor. 10:5 1For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
Observation - Paul makes a profound statement that is intended to serve as a warning to those of us who have experienced the blessing of God. He reminds us that a great number of people left Egypt under the direction of Moses and experienced profound miracles including the parting of the sea, the directive nature of the pillar of fire and cloud, the provision of food each day from the sky, the abundant supply of quail, and the water that came from the rock. Though they experienced all of that, God was NOT PLEASED with most of them, and their bodies were scattered over the desert.
Application - I read the account of the Exodus and goose-bumps appear as I read about miracle after miracle that God did for His people because He loved them and had a plan for them. Miracles of that magnitute greatly impacted history and culture. It is hard to fathom that they didn't impact the hearts of those going through them. God did so much for them, and yet the end result: He was not pleased with them. As I look at my life, God has done miracles for me. He has provided, He has directed, and He has blessed so many things. I have seen His hand in my life time and time again. Is it possible after all of that, that He might be displeased with me? Absolutely. That is why Paul gives this warning. How could God be displeased with me after all He has done? That is the million dollar question that confuses us. In fact, we never consider that question because we see all the things that the Lord has done for us and could possible confuse his active hand for his pleasure. His pleasure is all about the heart. While the Israelites experienced things, their actions included idolatry, sexual immorality, they tested Him, and they grumbled. Bottom line, their hearts remained doubtful, unbelieving, unappreciative, and they were constantly complaining. The doctor's diagnosis - hardened heart syndrome! That's concerning! I see some of those same qualities in me. I can think of no worse state to be in life than fail to have the pleasure of the Lord! I am grateful for the Word of God. It brings warning. I will heed, repent, and ask for the Lord's help!
Prayer - Lord, forgive me. Soften my heart! I see your hand. I want your pleasure!
