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4 They set out from Mount Hor along the Red Sea Road, a detour around the land of Edom. The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. 5 They spoke out against God and Moses: "Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water - we can't stomach this stuff any longer." 6 So God sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit them and many in Israel died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke out against God and you. Pray to God; ask him to take these snakes from us." Moses prayed for the people. 8 God said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it on a flagpole: Whoever is bitten and looks at it will live." 9 So Moses made a snake of fiery copper and put it on top of a flagpole. Anyone bitten by a snake who then looked at the copper snake lived. (Numbers 21:4-9 The Message Bible)
Happy Wednesday, dear one! Blessings upon blessings be yours today and all days. No news from the baby-front! Please continue to pray!
Again, the minivan is loaded with complaining kids. The tribe is on a lonely road with no Mickey D's for miles, and the only DQ's are closed. The AC in the van is kaput, and open windows only bring in more hot air. What's a parent to do? When the kids found out the road was a detour, they knew that meant more time on the road and the complaining begins anew. And this modern version makes it seem realistic; "Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water - we can't stomach this stuff any longer. You ever been there? No raising of hands! I know you have!
This reminds me of the story told to me by the aging rock and roller working as a painter at a plant for making oil discovery vans, who shared the tale of Interstate 10 way close to midnight, when he was a wild and crazy guy hitchhiking his way to Houston from California. The only saving grace for him that night was a full moon because the light let him see just where the rattlesnakes were warming up on the highway in the cold desert air. A sleeping rattlesnake is almost as good as a dead one, but not to be bothered. But the snakes in this story were very much alive and loved to bite as many of the complaining kids as they could. Sure sounds like "If you don't behave the snakes are going to come out and bite you!" Except they were out, and they were biting. That got the people's attention and they so they came to Moses with big sad, watery eyes and said, almost convincingly, "We're sorry..." So Daddy Moses prayed to God asking that God please take away these snakes.
The solution offered by God foreshadows that which some 1,430 years later would have God's own Son on the cross, dying for our sins. God said to Moses to build a snake and put it on a flagpole; and anyone bitten by a snake could look up and be healed from that bite. So Moses makes a snake of copper and put it on the wooden flagpole. And anyone bitten by a snake who then looked up to the copper snake was saved from death.
This provision from God reveals His compassion and willingness to extend grace even in the midst of judgment. It also points to Jesus Christ, who would later compare Himself to the bronze snake, signifying that those who look to Him in faith will find healing and eternal life.
Like the Israelites, we too may face moments of doubt, frustration, and rebellion in our faith journey. Yet, even in our weakness, God remains faithful. He offers us His grace and forgiveness, inviting us to turn to Him in repentance and faith.
PRAYER: Loving God, we confess that there are times when we grumble and complain in the face of challenges. Forgive us for our lack of faith and trust in Your provision. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, even when we fall short. Help us to turn to You in times of trouble, trusting in Your promises and finding healing and restoration in Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Examine your heart and repent of any sins that are new to you. Confess that sin to God and repent of it. Learn to trust in God's provision by looking to Jesus always!
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
