February 24th Devotion

Numbers 21:4-5 (NIV)
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"

This incident caused great trouble and tragedy for the children of Israel. Because Israel would not be satisfied with the Lord, he sent snakes into their camp and many people died. Jesus points to this story to illustrated his death on the cross.

John 3:14-15 (NIV)
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

It is a sad note that the invasion of snake came right after God deliver an enemy into the hands of the Israelites. They had plead for his help, and swore an oath to completely destroy their enemy.

Numbers 21:1-3 (NIV)
1 When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. 2 Then Israel made this vow to the LORD: "If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities." 3 The LORD listened to Israel's plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. They completely destroyed them and their towns; so the place was named Hormah.

What strikes me the most though, is what the Israelites said that cause God to send the snakes. They call Manna, miserable food. Can you imagine calling the “bread of life” miserable food.

Do you love the “Manna” from heaven? Or, do you only seek God in times of trouble or great need? The only thing that saved the Israelites was the bronze snake lifted up on a pole. What a reminder of the snake in the garden, and Jesus’ great sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:26-28 (NIV)
26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Love, Pastor Don