Thought for The Week 14 March 2021

In Numbers 21:4-9 the story is told of Moses lifting the bronze snake on a pole so that whoever looks at it will be healed of the plague that was sweeping through the Israelites, caused by venomous snakes which we are told God sent in response to the people’s complaints and ingratitude. The cure came in a 2-part action. The first was repentance- acknowledging their fault and seeking forgiveness; “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you”. The second action was an act of faith. Moses fashions a snake from bronze and raises it on a pole so that any who had been bitten by the venomous snakes could look upon it and be healed.

John links this story to Jesus salvific act of going to the cross on behalf of sinful   humanity. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and a good example of how the New     Testament interprets the First testament. Jesus will be ‘lifted up’ on a pole-            symbolically speaking of the cross so that all who come in repentance and faith will be saved from the consequences of sin (condemnation). Lifted up can also mean ‘exalted’, so this points to his resurrection and ascension which validates his claim to be Israel’s Messiah and saviour of the world.

Our Christian confession is that Jesus saves us from condemnation, death and the venom of sin which poisons us. May we exalt him in our worship today with faith and thanksgiving.

Blessings

Brent Richardson