LEAST POWERFUL PEOPLE

LEAST POWERFUL PEOPLE

READ:
1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Let him who thinks he stands
take heed lest he fall.
-1 Corinthians 10:12

An unusual list called The 100 Least Powerful People in the World appeared in the online publication 24/7 Wall St.  Among those selected were corporate executives, sports figures, politicians, and celebrities who shared one common characteristic-they used to be powerful.  Some were victims of circumstances, others made poor business decisions, while others lost their influence because of moral failure.

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul draws a somber lesson from Old Testament history.  The people Moses led from slavery in Egypt toward freedom in the Promised Land kept turning their backs of God who had delivered them (vv. 1-5).  Idolatry, immorality, and grumbling were among the things that brought them down (vv. 6-10).  Paul points to their collapse as an example to us, and sounds this warning:  "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (v.12).

Every follower of Jesus can stand firm on God's promise; "He will see to it that every temptation has a way out, so that it will never be impossible for you to bear it" (v.13 PHILIPS).  All of us have power to influence others in their faith.  How tragic to squander it by yielding to a temptation that God has empowered us to resist. David McCasland

Lord, there are temptations to sin everywhere.  Help me
not to give in.  Make me sensitive to see the ways out
that You provide.  I want my love for You to be real and
to encourage others in their faith journey.
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The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.

INSIGHT
In this story of Israel's testing, the key may be that "all" were baptized (v.2), and "all" ate and drank spiritual food and water (vv.3-4), but with "most" God was displeased (v.5).  Even in the struggles of the exodus, there were some who remained faithful to the Lord.

Have a blessed day and weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace