“All
these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our
admonition.” (v.11)
History gives us a record of perspective, context, and
consequences that can help us make wise choices. We then hopefully learn from, both the successes and failures, of those who have gone before us so we do
not repeat their same mistakes.
Paul also saw the value of embracing the lessons of history. He
warned of the destructive nature of bad choices by recounting the story of the
children of Israel and their wilderness wanderings—a result of their refusal to
trust God and enter the Promised Land (Num.14). Then Paul told the believers in
Corinth, “All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written
for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (v.11).
God
has given us the Bible, partly to help us learn from the history of His people.
Biblical lessons contain both examples and warnings to guard us against our
worst inclinations and to lead us into wiser living. The question is, will we learn
from the lessons of the past or repeat the mistakes of those who came before
us.
May
we learn our lessons well.
The
Truth
“A wise man will hear and increase learning,
and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5)
