“And all drank the same spiritual drink.
For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ”
– 1 Corinthians 10:4 –
It is considered a masterpiece of architechture and engineering. Its peculiar architectural and landscape features and the veil of mystery that surrounds the area have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. I am referring to Machu Picchu, a cultural and ecological complex that was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981, a UNESCO World Herritage Site in 1983, and, since July 7, 2007, one of the new seven wonders of the modern world.
Located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peu at 7,972 feet above sea level, in the Cusco region and above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the name Machu Picchu comes from Quechua and means “ancient mountain.” Each year, one million people visit the place fascinated and amazed by such an ancient wonder.
I too was fascinated and amazed, and am more and more so, but because of the wonder of wonders: Christ, the Rock of Ages. Paul reminds us that everyone drank the spiritual drink. The Rock in the desert had satisfied the thirst of the people. Likewise, Christ continued to quench the thirst of His children.
The Rock became a name for God. He is the Rock who quenches thirst, nourishes, and guides. He is the immutable Savior, always willing to support, sustain, and strenghten. Instead of being revived for salvation by the Rock, many “stumbled at that stumbling stone” (Rom. 9:32) bringing on their own doom.
Not all those who drank from the spiritual drink in the wilderness inherited the Promised Land. The Lord did everything to save them; the did everything to be lost. Instead of being fed and shepherded in the new land that flowed with milk and honey, they were scattered and roaming throughout the desert. Promises and blessings do not ensure unconditional immunity; we must approach God permanently.
What happened to the people on the journey from Egypt to Canaan
is a wake-up call for all of us who travel to the heavenly Canaan.
Christ, the true Rock, who follows you and wants to quench your thirst
and feed your soul, does not want you to be roaming in the desert of sin.
He wants to guide you and take you to the heavenly Canaan.
You simply have to always follow the Rock, drinking from Him,
feeding on Him, and sharing Him, today and every day.
“Life is a walk. Every day we take steps.
Our tomorrow is determined by the steps we take today” (Charles Spurgeon).
May the Lord bless your steps today…