The Journey

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ….11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. I Corinthians 10:1-4, 11 (KJV)

I want to use this passage of scripture to discuss our spiritual journey, comparing Israel to the church. In Exodus 12 Israel partook of the Passover meal, and when the church partakes of the communion of Christ, we drink His blood and eat His flesh. Israel was saved and redeemed by the lamb’s blood, and now Jesus is our passover.

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. John 6:53-56 (KJV)

We were delivered from the world, satan, and his control. Pharaoh was a picture of satan and satanic bondage. Colossians 1:3 says we were delivered from the power of darkness by God, just as Israel was rescued from Pharaoh and Egypt. We were set free to serve the Lord!

I Corinthians 10:1 says that Israel passed through the Red Sea. This is a picture of our water baptism that we do after we are saved. It speaks of our being dead to the old man and the world and being raised with Christ in newness of life (Romans 6:3-8, 14). Water baptism is a symbol of the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

I Corinthians 10:1 also mentions the glory cloud (and the pillar of fire) that led the children of Israel. This speaks of God’s manifest guiding presence (Exodus 13:21-22). John 10:4 tells of Jesus guiding His own. God will lead and guide us if we will follow. The pillar of fire in Exodus 13:21 is a prophetic picture of our baptism in Holy Spirit fire (Acts 2:1-4). As we follow the Holy Spirit, He takes us deeper in our relationship with God and leads us successfully through life.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14 (KJV)

I Cornthians 10:3-4 speaks of Israel eating spiritual meat and drinking spiritual drink. God gave them manna to eat and water from a rock to drink. We grow as we feed on the Word. We drink of God’s Spirit. Jesus is the bread of Life, and we drink living water from our Rock, Jesus. He gives living water to the thirsty who will come and drink. We gain strength and life for victorious living from this spiritual meat and drink.

I Corinthians 10:11 clearly tells us that the things that the children of Israel experienced are to serve as examples of what we experience as believers in Christ. When we keep these things in mind, our spiritual journey has rich meaning and significance.