Many people have shied away from the Old Testament and focus almost exclusively on the New Testament writings. This is sad to hear but especially devastating when pastors and preachers speak infrequently from the Old Testament and share the majority of their messages from New Testament texts. There are many things that can be learned from the things written about God’s people. Paul expressed this to those in Corinth by reminding them that, “¹¹ Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.             ¹² Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:11-13, NKJV). There is much we can learn from the mistakes of others, including the mistakes of those who have lived and died long before we were conceived. The lessons will help us to prevent from falling into the same traps of the devil who wants to drain the joy and power from God’s people by tempting them and making them ineffective in ministry. The people of Israel were no different than anyone else living today. They were not more naive, more stubborn, or less intelligent. People are generally all the same regardless if we admit that or not. Solomon revealed through his inspired writings which must never be forgotten, ⁹ That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. ¹⁰ Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. ¹¹ There is no remembrance of former things, Nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come By those who will come after. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, NKJV) The “way of escape” God might be showing you to avoid falling into sin is more than likely found in the pages of the Bible, discovered in something that the people of God centuries ago experienced. It would be good for disciples of Christ to look beyond those disciples who walked with Jesus, their writings, and examples and turn back to the record of Abraham’s life, Isaac, Jacob, and the Israelites for good examples of what to do as well as good examples of what not to do. There is no doubt that the Old Testament is quite foreign in comparison to the twenty-first century American culture and the politically correct atmosphere that has developed. That does not mean it is void of a vast treasure trove of wisdom and advice that will help disciples of Christ to follow Him closer and imitate Him better with each passing day. Praying beyond the physical: Father, open my eyes to the help You have provided through Your Word even when I struggle to understand it. Jesus, teach me to submit myself all I have to You as Abraham was willing to offer Isaac to You. Spirit, speak to my heart to grant me understanding that is beyond by ability to comprehend.   Pastor Tom