Rock

"for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ’’ – 1 Corinthians 10:4

Photo by Pexels.com

The apostle Paul begins 1 Corinthians chapter 10 with Jewish history and by pointing out how the Israelites travelled through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The Israelites received vital blessings from the Lord. He led them through the Red Sea, then daily by a pillar of cloud, by night by fire, essential food and water. Despite all of these blessings, they were unfaithful to God. In this chapter 10 we read that God was displeased with most of the Israelites due to their idol worshipping, other sins and their murmuring too. Many Israelites died due to these sins (1 Corinthians 10:1–6).

Here in chapter 10, the apostle Paul uses the Israelites’ situation as important examples to the Corinthians. The Israelites lived for many generations in Egypt where other gods were plentiful. Likewise, the Corinthians were also born and raised in a culture that worshiped false gods. Thus, idolatry was part of their every day lives. 

As new Christians, the Corinthians now knew that they should not continue to worship idols. However, this was not easy. Their daily practices brought them back to participating in idol worship again. Paul brings the Corinthians a clear warning. In today's modern life, we can and should also learn from Israel’s mistakes in the wilderness. It is crucial that we live like the faithful ones in the days of the wilderness. Don't go along with the majority, abstain from the ways of the world, abstain from idols, keep your eyes above. For our Saviour Jesus Christ will return and reward the faithful servants.

The apostle Paul points out in 1 Cor. 10:4 that Christ was Israel’s spiritual Rock during their wilderness wanderings: “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.”  Our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises, to be our rock and fortress. As we read in Psalm 18:2: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge".  Psalm 18 is an example of many Messianic psalms, meaning these psalms prophesizes about Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus is our true shelter and dwelling place. He is our Saviour! Through His life, death, and resurrection. He died for our sins, once and for all (Romans 6:10). He is our place of safety. Our refuge. Our only Rock and Cornerstone.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 by Hanne