Reading for October 3rd

 Read 1 Corinthians 10.1-22. In verses 1-13: Israel's example. In verse 2: Baptized into Moses: This unusual phrase reflects Christian retelling of the exodus story. It suggests that Israel participated with Moses in the exodus as Christians participate in Jesus' death and resurrection. In verse 3: Spiritual food and drink: Israel's wilderness experience is reinterpreted in light of the Lord's supper (11.23-26). In verse 6: Examples: 10.11; Rom 14.4. In verses 7-10: These verses draw four lessons from the story. In verse 7: Idolaters recall the golden calf in incident (Ex 32); the quotation is from Ex 32.6. In verse 8: Sexual immorality recalls Baal of Peor incident (Num 25. In verse 9: Putting the Lord (Yahweh, not Christ as in NRSV) to the test recalls the bronze serpent incident (Num 21). In verse 10: Do not complain recalls incidents in Ex 16; Num 14, 17. In verse 11: Ends of the ages: The "last days" has begun with Christ's resurrection (Acts 2.) In verse 13: God is faithful: 1.9; 2 Cor 1.18. In verses 14-22: Avoid worship of idols. In verse 14: Paul develops the first of four lessons (10.7). In verses 16-21: Like other sacred meals eaten in honor of a deity, the Lord's supper unites the worshippers with Christ. Christians must choose between the table of the Lord (Jesus) and the table of demons. In verse 22: Jealousy: Deut 32.21: Ex 34.14. Comments or Questions..