1153. Lusting and Leanness

Lusting and Leanness

"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lost after evil things, as they also lusted** (1Co_10:6).

The Israelites were given to lusting after evil things. They were saved from Egypt with a glorious hand; they were fed with angels' food; they drank the water from the rock; yet they lusted for the flesh pots of Egypt, for her garlic and her onions.

This picture is the second step in a descending scale; first they wandered, then they lusted. There was not only failure to advance, but they sought to go back. They not only spurned the prospects of olives and of oil, of honey and of milk, of pomegranates and of the grapes of Eshcol (all of which God had awaiting their entrance into Canaan), but they actually yearned to return to the land of their bondage and despair.

This is the story of many believers. They spurn the "deeper life" the "walk with God," the "blessed hope" of coming, and, like Demas, they love this present world.

Churches are full of professed followers of Christ who actually live in Egypt. They make occasional excursions over into God's country, on Sundays, but card-playing, dancing and the theater are their all-consuming thought. The pleasures of the world choke their love of the Word.

Even certain preachers seem given to discoursing more on the glories of this present age, than on the glories of the age to come. Heaven seems a long way off to them, and salvation is of little worth, so they are given up to making Egypt a good place in which to live.

What leanness of soul has come to these lusting people! Many of them have never known any real salvation; they have never felt the thrill of real spiritual joy; their religious life is a waste, devoid of fruitfulness; their souls are lank and empty; they have no satisfying portion.

Hear the Word of the Lord:

"He saved them for His name's sake."

"He rebuked the Red Sea."

"He led them through the depths."

"They lusted exceedingly in the wilderness."

"They tempted God in the desert"

"He gave them their request;

But sent leanness into their soul" (Psalms 106).

God help us to refuse to feed the flesh, for to feast the flesh is to starve the soul.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR