And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
1 Corinthians 10:10
On the northeastern coastline of Japan is a little village called Aneyoshi. In that village there is an ancient 10-foot-tall stone tablet engraved with a somber warning: “Remember the calamity of the great tsunamis. Do not build any homes beyond this point.”
In 2011 a great tsunami hit the coast of Japan. Every home in Anoyeshi Village that was built above the warning marker survived. But there were thousands along the coast who ignored that warning. Over 29000 were killed when the tsunami struck. They died because they ignored the warning signs they should have heeded.
Warning signs are meant for our benefit and not obeying them can result in severe or even deadly consequences. When the Israelites grumbled in the wilderness, God was not pleased with most of them, and many died in the wilderness and their bodies were scattered in the desert. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil as they did.” Their fate is a warning sign for future generations.
It is easy to go through life grumbling, and who can blame us. There are all kinds of reasons to feel disgruntled with life. But today, let the experience of the Israelites in 1 Corinthians 10:10 be our warning sign. Let the consequences that followed their grumbling be the STOP sign that prevents us from ending up as they did. Instead of grumbling let us pray for a spirit of gratitude for the many benefits and blessings that God has poured out upon us. As many have said, “It could be worse.” So, this week, let us heed the warning signs and be thankful.