Snake

 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”

Numbers 21:8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/num.21.8.ESV

God had graciously delivered His people from slavery. They ungratefully seemed to have 'Stockholm syndrome'. They were hankering after the old days of forced labour.

Understandably, God was angry with His people's rebellious ungratefulness. He allowed them to become afflicted with poisonous snakes. Thankfully, Moses interceded for the people.

This verse is God's response. Moses was to make a bronze snake for those bitten to look at and live. In John's gospel we're given an application for ourselves. We've been bitten by satan's poisonous sin; but if we look to Christ crucified, we will live.

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so Jesus had to be lifted on the cross. All who look to Him will be delivered from sin's penalty. He is the only way of salvation.

'God Almighty, forgive our rebelliousness we pray, and help us to look to Christ crucified for our deliverance from the punishment we deserve. In His name, amen'

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