The journey in the wilderness for the people of Israel was never easy. Sure, they were set free from the captivity of the Egyptians, but now they had to deal with different issues that arose on their journey to the promised land. It wasn’t easy on them, they were used to a variety of foods in Egypt and now they were limited to Manna/bread and quail for meat. Water wasn’t always so easy to find also. This caused a lot of people to be bitter against God and also murmur against Him. Each time this happened, God caused them to be afflicted. In Numbers, chapter 21, it was by way of fiery scorpions. It is written, “and they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” (Numbers 21:4-6)
God did teach His people about obedience and how to trust in Him even when things appear to be too hard. In this instance, God actually showed the people Jesus, long before He would be lifted up on a cross. The Lord told Moses to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole. Where every person who looked upon it would be healed and live. It is written, “therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” (Numbers 21:7-9) This is in the representation of Jesus. Every person who looks to the cross and what Jesus did for them will also have eternal life in heaven. We may have been bitten by the world, but now God has delivered us. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will look to the cross and live. This is where You died for our sins, Jesus. May every person who believes in You also acknowledge this important fact. There is only one way that we can be healed and that is through Your atoning blood, which was shed for us on the cross. Thank You, Jesus. I am so different now since Your blood covered me and my sins. Before You came, doubts would fill my mind. I thought I was too far gone and Your payment for sins could not cover me. Surely, Satan kept me doubting You for many years. You know as well I do, Lord, that I was a wretched sinner before I found You. You could have easily written me off a long time ago and caused me to die in my sins, but You had mercy upon my soul. Your patience is out of this world. I don’t deserve Your love. Thank You for seeing through me and the person I would become in the future. I was so blinded to see the truth until the day You heard my cries. I felt Your loving arms come over me and everything felt much different. I knew You really loved and cared for my soul. You are my dear Father that I love with all my heart. I give You praise, God. Amen.
