warnings

Recent news reports state that officials may have failed to heed warnings of potential terrorist strikes prior to September 11. Since that date, many cautions have been given, but as time passes it seems warnings lose their impact.

I don’t know that we like warnings too much, but that does not stop God from giving them. The very people who miraculously crossed the Red Sea on dry land grumbled when they got thirsty. The Israelites who received water from a rock and bread from heaven tested God by complaining. The men and women who were most knowledgeable of God’s holiness committed open sexual sin. And the people who witnessed the judgment of all the false gods of Egypt erected a golden calf to worship. Why are these failures and their tragic consequences recorded so frequently in Scripture? (see I Corinthians 10:1-10)

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (I Corinthians 10:11-12)

Though His spokesmen may be ignored or scorned, God has never ceased sending warnings. He shouts as a loving father who sees his children in danger. God wants everyone that walks the earth today to know He has never changed. Yet people who have been given incredible blessings still grumble and complain. People who know of God’s holiness still surrender to the lusts of the flesh. And people who have been bought with the blood of a perfect Son still put other things ahead of the one true God. These are the sins that have trapped man in every generation, but the Lord wants us to know we don’t have to fall.

The One who sends the warnings also sends a promise. We will never be tempted beyond what we can handle. Though temptations will come, the Father always provides a way of escape for His children. He wants us to keep standing.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)

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