Why do I still crave junk when I know better? The short answer is because junk is what I love most at that moment. I feed on what I love. My appetite reveals my idolatry, temptation #1 for every person on this planet.
Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10 about this common temptation by reviewing Israel’s past in the wilderness. Before you dismiss that as ancient history, look again at today’s reading. Paul picks up on this scene from Israel’s history to show us how vulnerable we are to the same temptations, no matter if we have been life-long Christ followers or not.
The troubles and sins of Israel in the wilderness were recorded as an example to us. But we read about it for more than just advice to avoid their mistakes. They lived in the time of promise. We live in the time of fulfillment. Jesus has come and borne our sin away. He has risen and given us life. He has ascended and sent His Spirit. We are equipped to do battle with our cravings in a way that Israel was not. The light has dawned, so walk in the Spirit.