Walk in the Way of God
Several weeks ago we looked at Paul’s use of the Holy Scripture (then only the Old Testament). Today we see this again in how he mentions several incidents from the early history of the Israelites. Most of those scripture references are from Exodus with a couple from Numbers. This tells us that many of the Christians in Corinth were Jewish. The gentile Christians may not have known all of these references. They would have been told about them by their Jewish brothers and sisters. Although an astute reader might have noticed a few slight inconsistencies between the Old Testament and Paul’s recounting of them. The one most would probably have gotten is that in Exodus the cloud did not cover the people it was in front of them leading the way. He uses Psalm 104 from the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) for this quote. The question is, “What is he trying to say with these quotes?”
We first notice that here Paul talks about Christ being present with the people during the exodus. This may be the first written document that mentions Christ as being present throughout the history of the Israelites. While I will not go into all the details, later on the church did argue over this detail with some claiming Jesus was a human who was adopted by God and was not always part of God. Paul clearly did not believe that. Christ was with the Israelites and through Christ God sustained them. This is then a reminder to the Christians that Christ now sustains them just as Christ sustained the Israelites.
A second point that Paul is making is that the Israelites are an example of what happens to those who abandon God. Later on – beyond our reading for today – Paul talks about falling for idols. But first he reminds the Corinthian Christians that being a Christian does not mean that life will be easy. Instead, he tells them their faith will be tested. We do know about their testing. It was difficult to be a Christian in those times with martyrdom always a possibility. Being a Christian does not guarantee an easy life (despite what many TV evangelists may say), instead, it guarantees that when things are rough, Christ will be your rock upon which to stand. Jesus reminds us of that with his two examples of those killed by Pilate and the falling tower. They were no different than anyone else. Therefore you should not expect to be spared of trying times.
Yet we do expect it. I cannot tell you how many times people come to me in trouble and ask, “Why is God doing this to me?” Those same people often are the ones who pat themselves on the back and say, “Look how well I have done,” when things are going well. It is probably the opposite. When things are going well, it is God’s doing and when things are all messed up it is often our own fault. That is what Isaiah is trying to tell the people. Why do you spend money on that which is not bread and labor for that which does not satisfy?
We are called by God to live our lives as examples of Jesus’ love. It is not an easy life to live and there are many temptations and pit-falls along the way. Be assured that you will also be tested but that God will provide that which you need and Christ will be the rock which will sustain and uphold you. This Lent spend some time in prayer and Bible study so that you will see Jesus’ love in your life and the task that God is calling you to. Pray more earnestly that you will forgo chasing after that which does not satisfy and, instead, share the gifts that God has lovingly given to you.