As we get to the concluding parts of our travelling checklist, 1 Corinthians 10:9 AMPC states “We should not:
- tempt the Lord,
- try His patience,
- become a trial to Him,
- critically appraise Him,
- exploit His goodness
as some of them did–and were killed by poisonous serpents.” These require deep reflection on our parts when we are faced with challenges peculiar to unknown territories in our journey.
The Greek word translated “tempt” is peirazo which also means to:
- test,
- try to trap, or
- reveal weakness within oneself. This latter is found in James 1:13,14.
In Hebrew, the word is “nacah” which also means to try, to prove! In the expression in 1 Corinthians 10:9, which is a direct reference to Exodus 17:7 and Numbers 21:6-9, have you wondered why God allowed them to face the same situation twice? Have you experienced times when the Lord made you face the same test twice? What lessons did you learn from such?
Do you find yourself questioning God’s good thoughts and intent towards you in challenging circumstances, when you know and have abundant testimonies of His saving interventions in your life? Why do you think or say God is wicked, uncaring about your situation? What ingratitude! That is tempting the Lord!
When God proves me and you, it is not that we begin to question His integrity or His faithful love; rather hold to His promise and witness Him come through for you (Isaiah 55:10,11; Jeremiah 29:11).
With tempting the Lord also comes reviling Him (Exodus 17:7). Asking and questioning His steadfast love even in seemingly life-threatening situations is not acceptable (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). Do not perish on the way to the promised glory. Shalom
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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