LOOK
Today’s Reading: Numbers 21-22
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The mountains of ancient Moab can be seen across the Dead Sea from Israel.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 21:9
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
The serpent of bronze holds a prominent place in human history, primarily because of the dialogue of Jesus with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). It’s the worldwide symbol for the medical profession and may have originated with Moses (pictured below).
Medical Logo
The serpent corrupted our first parents, and he bears a major responsibility for causing mankind to sin against God…sin that has been nailed to the Cross. Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-15). The choice to LOOK in faith brought life instead of death to the Israelites. Jesus declared the parallel truth in Himself. Later, the bronze serpent had to be destroyed because people began to worship it (2 Kings 18:1-8). Moses’ serpent happened long before Greek mythology introduced the symbol. Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll look at the attempt by Balaam to curse Israel.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You were lifted up on the Cross, and You have caused me to look to You, not with eyesight, but with insight. Thank You!!! I know, by faith, that I have the gift of eternal life, not through any goodness in myself, but because of Your clearly stated promise. You cannot lie! Therefore, I live! The serpent’s venom cannot destroy me. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
God told Moses to make the image of the serpent. Those who don’t think deeply enough would think God is against making a sculpture. There’s no sin here. The sin would be, according to the second commandment, in bowing down to an image and serving the image. People mess with God’s Word. For example, in one area of Jerusalem on any day, if you try to take a picture of some of the successors to the Pharisees, they may smash your camera. They think you are making a graven image. Have you bowed down to a picture lately? I don’t think so! Have you served a picture lately? I don’t think so! Be sure you read and understand the Scriptures in context.
Yours for only bowing down to the One True God,
David
P.S. The picture below was taken at the place where Gideon chose his final army of 300 men (Judges 7:1-8). Rev. Gideon Chiu prayed a mighty prayer here back in 2001 (click HERE for a video from the “The Journey of Hope”). When Pastor Gideon prayed, the trees shook and a flock of eagles flew overhead. I’m not sure we captured the eagles on video, but watch for the trees moving. I felt no wind where I was standing. Gideon has a background in the tribe of Manasseh (same as Gideon in the Bible), many of which ended up in China in the ethnic cleansing by the Assyrians of the northern 10 tribes of Israel.
Awesome photo, Reynold, and video of Pastor Gideon. Thank you for the vlog, prayer, and message this morning, David! Sue thanks everyone for your prayers. Bowing down to You, Jesus, and You, alone! Blessings fellow saints in the Lord.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
You Love Me Anyway, Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8BBCYFAYRI
Thanks Donald and Beverlee for helping me out with yesterdays question. Both your faith-filled words of wisdom are what I’ve always believed and still do. Yet, somehow, I have a sense that there is more…
Have a great day for Christ Jesus blog friends
We look forward to reading your words of wisdom when the mystery is unraveled, David! Bless you!!
Thank you for the powerful message today David. Love the photos and video of Pastor Gideon. Reminds me of the prayer we agreed for in prayer on Mt. Carmel on my first trip to Israel. Am off to Christmas celebration already today. God bless all of you.
The prayer was and is very powerful thank you David
Beautiful. Felt like I was there! Thanks all.
Thank for posting the video of “The Journey of Hope”; I remember that special event: yes the trees shook, and the wonderful sound of the many trumpets blown in unison.
The “Journey of Hop” was my second visit to Israel, a very meaningful visit; thank you for posting the link!!!
I also recall my first visit in 1975; my three sons were with me. My son David(15 at the time) did take a picture of the Orthodox Jews who were walking just across from us…and just about lost his camera.
Again what a powerful prayer Pastor David; your thoughts and explanations of the day’s scriptures are much appreciated. God Bless you for your faithfulness!!!
Love the description of the “Serpent lifted up in the wilderness”. All they had to do was “Look” and they were healed, spared from death. As the song says, “There is LIFE for A LOOK at the Crucified One, there is LIFE at this moment for thee,…then, LOOK, LOOK, LOOK and LIVE”. Truly, the Israelite experienced in the wilderness was a fore-shadowing of Christ lifted up on the Cross, to be sin for us. How can we be saved? Just BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” “BEHOLD the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the World”. A wonderful gift to the whole world…but “whosoever” meaneth Me”, I am blessed with the words of this Song:
“Behold, Him now on yonder tree, The Prince of Peace, the Heavenly King,
O what can His transgression be, Such shameful punishment to bring?
And lo, a thief hangs on each side; Who justly suffers for his crime,
But why should Christ be crucified, The One so holy so divine
“It was for me, yes, even me, That Jesus Died on Calvary,
My soul to cleanse from all its guilt, His precious blood my Saviour spilt.
O Loving Saviour, take my heart, No longer can I live from Thee!
With all unlike thee now I part; Thy wondrous love has conquered me,
I yield to Thee my little all; Accept me now, Lord, as Thine own;
I’ll be obedient to Thy call, And spend my life for Thee alone”
Author: George Samuel Smith (1965-1944)
Divine poem, Pastor Samuel! Thanks so much for sharing!!