look and live

So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

Numbers 21:9

This was yet another episode in Israel’s journey where lack of faith led to discontent and rebellion against God. This time their assessment of God’s care is particularly selfish. They would rather live as slaves than die trusting God to provide. They did not like having to lean on God for everything. And in their worst selfish assessment they totally devalued God’s care... “We loathe this worthless food.” They dared to hate what God gave and deemed it worthless! God would discipline this direct rebellion.

Fiery serpents came up from the desert into the camp. Their poisonous bites led to the death of many of these complainers. The people wisely recognized their sin and then pleaded with Moses to intercede for them before God. When he did, God gave Moses this unusual snake bite treatment. These supernatural serpents could be resisted by faith. A believing look at the bronze serpent in the middle of the camp would heal any poisoned person.

And we must realize that there was a much deeper picture yet to come from this story. Jesus cited it to describe a reason for His mission in John 3:14-15: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” Our only deliverance from the fiery poison of our own sinful condition which will lead to death and separation from God is to look to Jesus, lifted up on a cross for us, and to believe in Him. Our worst rebellion against God and the severe judgment of God are all taken care of by the Savior lifted high over us on a cross.

Lord,

We are by nature selfish, ungrateful, and rebellious against Your loving leadership. We often want it our way and not Your way. Forgive our complaining and our sinful assessments of Your provision. Thank You for a love that is lifted up for all the world to see in the message of the cross! May we look to Jesus and truly live! And may we thrive in the faith that gives eternal life, always lifting high for others the truth of the saving gospel so others may look and live!

Amen