In the book of Exodus, all our Jewish ancestors walked through the wilderness, and were tested. Many failed the test and never made it to the Promised Land. Throughout the old and new testament, God has communicated to those who love Him and desire to fulfill their God given destiny that learning from the children of Israel’s failures will help us be overcomers during our times of testing in the wilderness.
As we examine these failures, we must recognize- the children of Israel were a spiritually privileged people who saw and experienced the power of Lord Yahweh. When they walked through the wilderness long ago, they were under the glory cloud, which is a picture of the Holy Spirit’s presence. They passed through the open waters of the sea- they all ate the same heavenly manna, which is a picture of being gifted with spiritual food. They drank water from the same spiritual rock, which traveled with them, even in the wilderness-and that Rock was Christ the Anointed Rock of truth and the Rock of shelter. Yet, many failed the test in the wilderness, and this did not please God, for He longs for all His children to be made continually, spiritually alive in Christ, as we keep stepping forward in His Kingdom.
The children of Israel’s wilderness experience serve as types and pictures for us-lessons that teach us not to fail in the same way by callously craving worthless things and practicing idolatry, as some of them did. For it is written: “The people settled in to their unrestrained revelry, with feasting and drinking, then they rose up and became wildly out of control!” They fell into sexual immorality, and put the Lord to outrageous tests. Neither must we embrace their ways by complaining and grumbling with discontent, as many of them did.
All the tests they endured on their way through the wilderness are a symbolic picture, and example that provides us with a warning so that we can learn through what they experienced. “For the end of the ages has arrived upon us. So beware, if you think it could never happen to you, lest your pride becomes your downfall”. God does not want us to fall away during times of trial and temptation- He wants us to humble ourselves, recognize our need of Him, while we seek after and embrace His unmerited love and grace.
It is normal for every human to experience times of testing. Because God has promised to be faithful to us through these challenges and struggles- He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial we face so that we can bear it. As we move through the struggle, each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for us a way of escape. Jesus Christ is our Way of escape, as our soul clings to Him, and our spirit yields to connect with His Holy Spirit; we will be given the ability to overcome spiritual death, and continue stepping forward into His promised Kingdom of Light, Peace, and overcoming Power.
1Corinthians 10:1-13
