Look Up and Live

"So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived." (Numbers 21:9 NIV)

Once again, we find the Israelites, murmuring and complaining about their food and water. Because of their rebellious attitudes, God sends a plague of poisonous snakes. Many were bitten and died. They go to Moses to ask him to pray that God will take away the snakes. Instead of the snakes being removed, Moses made a replica of a snake, and attached it to a pole, just as the Lord had instructed. "All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!" (vs. 8b).

Isn't that interesting that the thing (the snake) which was bringing death and destruction was now capable of bringing healing and life?! But, it's not the snake that brought healing, but their obedience to do what God had commanded. The people had a choice --- do we look at the bronze snake and live, or do we turn our heads and die? It doesn't seem like too hard of a decision. But, it called for faith to believe that God would do what He said.

In like manner, our salvation happens when we look up to Jesus, believing He will save us. John 3: 14-15 states, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." God has provided a way for us to be healed of sin's deadly bite. But, we still have a choice --- we have to look up!