A Bronze Snake in the Wilderness

READ: NUMBERS 21:4-9; JOHN 3:13-18; ROMANS 3:25-28; EPHESIANS 2:4-8 On the surface, the Old Testament passage about the bronze snake might seem like an odd story. While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they complained about the lack of bread and meat. They complained A LOT. They were grumbling against the Lord instead of bringing their concerns to Him. And they were forgetting how He rescued them from slavery in Egypt and how He was leading them to a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. In response, the Lord sent dangerous snakes that killed many of the people. Then the people repented and asked Moses to intercede for them. And God is so rich in mercy and He loved them so much that He answered their prayer by providing a remedy. Under direction from the Lord, Moses made a bronze snake replica, mounted it on a pole, and held it up before the people. All who had been bitten and looked on it were healed! But why a bronze snake on a pole? Think about it. It’s not t...