Read Numbers 21:1-20
News must be getting out that the Israelites are on the move. If there was any doubt whether God was with them, what happened to the people of Arad should speak volumes. The Israelites were attacked, they asked God to deliver them, and God gave them victory. That type of pattern seems to follow God’s people throughout Scripture.
Then we have the story of the deadly snakes and yet another account of how the Israelites grumbled against God and their leader, Moses. It’s easy for us to point fingers at them, wondering why they seem to never be satisfied with life. Have you ever blamed God for something less than desirable that happened to you? This time, God sent their rescue as a lesson in the form of poisonous snakes.
I’m not a huge fan of snakes, but I’ve never encountered a poisonous snake or been bitten by one. I’ve known plenty of people who cower at the sight of even a garden snake. In their fear, the Israelites begged Moses to pray the LORD would remove these creatures. At least they recognized it was their sinfulness that brought this punishment.
God’s response is a bit curious don’t you think? He had Moses fashion something that resembled a snake so it could be put on a pole, easy for the people to see. And that’s all it took—a glance at the bronze snake would heal those who had been bitten. They are reminded that God brings life, not death. Rather than remove the snakes as the people had requested, God gave them salvation.
I’ve always thought it a bit like an “idol” or magic, but it is the word of God doing the work. God’s instruction and provision can look however God wants it to look. We are simply called to be obedient and receive his grace and mercy with thanksgiving. This example also points to receiving Jesus in the New Testament.
In John 3:14-15, Jesus says, “And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.” How cool is it that Jesus himself used this example as a teachable moment for Nicodemus and us. It helps us understand why we look in faith to Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.
In the case of the Israelites, they were saved not by a bronze serpent but by God. For Christ followers, we are not saved by our own works or anything other than our faith in Jesus. In both cases, our sinfulness is redeemed by our faith in God and his word.
Let’s pray. Lord, I love it when texts in the Old Testament come alive in the New Testament. When Jesus calls them out as an illustration, I can’t help but notice, and I marvel in my awe of you. Thank you for how you continue to rescue and save me. Help my faith to grow stronger every day. I look forward to each new lesson you teach me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
