By: Denise Pass © 6/30/14
1 Corinthians 10:4b-7
:4b “For they were all drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them and the Rock was Christ. 5 But God was not pleased with most of them, for they were cut down in the wilderness. 6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil things as they did. 7 So do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”
Craving a warm chewy chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven is one of those weak spots for me. Especially when I am trying to diet. In fact, inevitably I am offered large amounts of chocolate when I decide to be more disciplined in my eating. One would wonder, why bother? While sugar might not be evil, (ok, I can hear some of you saying it is), the lack of control or focus on food can become unhealthy. But I digress . . . this blog was not supposed to be about food at all . . . see what I mean?
So what was evil about what God’s chosen people were craving? First, I am humbled that it is believers that were displeasing God. This passage is a reminder that God is a jealous God Who cares very much that our hearts are worshipping One. Certainly the Israelites were craving things that God commanded them not to, but the odd thing is that God gave them everything they ever could want or need, but they still wanted more.
At the root of their craving was a lack of trust that God was going to provide sufficiently for them. With so many miracles, we might be tempted to wonder how they could ever doubt . . . manna from Heaven? Parting the Red Sea? Really? After encountering such an awesome God, how could they doubt? But perhaps all around us are signs of similar provision, and yet we do not like to have to be so dependent upon and wait upon God.
Maybe we prefer to make idols, too, just like they did. Polite looking, sophisticated idols today that are an escape from the discomfort of having to wait on God. But that is where relationship is. What would our relationship be, if God just gave us things and we never knew what is was to be in want? He longs to show Himself faithful, to be the One Who knows what we need before we ask and lovingly gives what we need at just the right time.
If there is something inhibiting your complete trust in God, lay it down. Whatever is the “god” you have run to, it does not compare. The thought of displeasing the One Who made me hurts my heart. So let’s lay down whatever we are craving and ask Him if it is worthy of our desire.
Almighty God, thank you for revealing our sins that we might confess them to You and be set free from the bondage of trusting in things other than You. Please help us to lay down the things of this world and only pick up what you want us to.