LEARN FROM HISTORY
“So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful.” Jude 5 NLT
Sometimes our pride emerges when someone speaks stating a truth to us that we already know – how many times, from children to adults the following phrase becomes, “I know.” And often said sarcastically.
Humanity as a whole tends to not want to be corrected, and being reminded of a truth is implying we have forgotten and need the reminder.
Which actually might be the case for some. However, what we need to remember is the timing of a truth being shared, comes from the Lord who tells us what we need so that we are more than conquerors in Him – Romans 8:37. We do not see the unseen spiritual realm, but God does, thus God shares His truths through sensitive Christians right when we need it.
Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun – thus, I firmly believe it’s the timing of the truth being shared that sparks Satan’s frenzy.
Jude is writing this letter, warning Christian believers. He is seeking to protect people from being victimized by these false teachers. He is not writing in aftermath, it’s not a clean up job. He is warning and exhorting believers to defend the faith now – less they fall prey.
Jude reminds believers of God rescuing Israel from Egypt’s enslavement. They were following Moses with Pharoah, the king of Egypt, and the Egyptians chasing after them with all of the forces from Egypt’s army. When Pharoah and his army came upon them, the Israelites became fearful and cried out to Moses, stating, “Why didn’t you leave us alone to be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness” – Exodus 14:12. Moses then told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” – Exodus 14:13-14 NLT.
I love God’s response to Moses, God said, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground” – Exodus 14:15-16 NLT.
The Israelites then walked through the Red Sea on dry ground with Pharoah and his army chasing after, but just before dawn God looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud and He threw the Egyptian army into a state of confusion – making their chariots difficult to drive to the point the Egyptians realized God was fighting for the Israelites and wanted out.
Once on the other side God instructed Moses to raise his hand over the sea again, then waters came rushing down upon the Egyptians and not one survived. The Israelites were filled with awe for God as they saw His power unleashed on the Egyptians, rescuing them, and they put their faith in the Lord – Exodus 14:26-31.
They followed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, and “ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ” – 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT.
However, after experiencing this miracle, the Israelites rebelled against the Lord, complaining and treating God with contempt. Even after witnessing His miraculous signs, they refused to listen to His voice – they refused to remain loyal. Moses, as a shepherd, had to intercede for the people before God, asking God to forgive their rebellion.
God then pardoned the Israelites but vowed that those who treated Him with contempt would not enter the promise land He vowed to give to their ancestors. God blatantly told them they would drop dead in the wilderness. Only Caleb was allowed to enter the promised land because his attitude – his mindset – was not like the Israelites and he remained loyal to the Lord.
Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10 that this history of the Israelites serves as a warning of what will happen if we crave evil things, worship idols, indulge in pagan revelry, and participate in sexual immorality –
No inheritance. No Promised Land. Spiritual Death and possibly physical death.
There is no reason to test Jesus Christ – the outcome is simply dying spiritually or physically due to the sin you agreed to commit – 1 Corinthians 10:9.
To emphasize – this is spiteful defiance to God. It is having contempt for God. Contempt is severe negativity, thinking the worst of someone’s character and who they are.
The Israelites had no right to challenge or think the worst of God’s character, especially after experiencing the many miracles and provision through Jesus Christ. They encountered God’s love and rejected Him, refusing to remain faithful.
Paul states this history is written down for all of us who live at the end of the age – 1 Corinthians 10:11. And goes on to state, “if you think you are standing strong be careful not to fall” – 1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT.
Jude brings up this history of the Israelites as well, warning Christians that the false teachers present are encouraging Christians to participate in the same sins that caused the Israelites to lose their inheritance and die both spiritually and physically.
That warning – if you don’t remain faithful to the Lord and you participate in evil, worship idols, indulge in pagan revelry, and participate in sexual immorality – choosing a lifestyle devoid of Jesus Christ, you will not go to heaven.
History serves a lesson of warning.
Wise is every Christian who learns from history, refuses temptation, and remains faithful to Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Abba, thank You for history. You placed us on earth at this time for a reason, open our eyes to how we can honor and glorify You, remaining faithful to Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
