Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:5)
This is a difficult verse to read by itself, and I encourage you to read the entire lectionary passage for this week – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. However, Paul faithfully and painfully recounts the sin of the people after the escape from Egypt, a warning to all of us that while God is a loving God, there is judgement and justice for our actions.
God doesn’t want us lost to sin, and through Jesus has saved us from its evil. We must recognize our failure and turn to Him for forgiveness. We must also forgive those who sin against us, just as God does.
The focus here is not on sin itself, but restoring the relationship that has been marred by sin. God wants us back as part of His family, active workers in His kingdom.
Loving Lord, Jesus taught us to pray “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. May we be ready for a renewed relationship with You and our brothers and sisters through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Amen.