“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, they lived.”

In Numbers 21, as the Israelites’ long and wondrous journey through nears its finish, it is said that the people traveled aimlessly around “Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea,to go around Edom” (V.4) Therefore, it is said that, through the frustration of being lost, “they spoke against God and against Moses…” (V. 5). God saw their sins against Him and because of His justice (justice in its truest form), people had to die for their sins. Verse six says that the Lord sent venomous snakes through the camp of Israel.

As I read this I ALWAYS have to keep in mind that I am no better than the Israelites. Even yesterday, I can think back at times when I was frustrated and hostile towards my God. But as we read further, one may notice that God isn’t content with letting His people die. He gives them a way out.

Verse nine concludes this episode with God commanding Moses to forge a bronze serpent (some translations say “fiery serpent”) and lift if up one a pole, so that whoever may stare at the serpent lifted up will be cured.

I couldn’t escape the eerie feeling that I was missing something monumental when I read this passage this morning. So I did what any other resourceful 20^th-century American would do and searched the internet for answers. And as I searched, I came across a section of an article that read, “The Jews themselves say it was not the sight of the brazen serpent that cured; but in looking up to it, they looked up to God as the Lord that healed them.”

Orthodox Judaism says that the bronze serpent held no healing powers, but rather that as they looked up to the bronze snake lifted on the pole, the Israelites also made the act of looking upon the Lord.

Today, as I reflect on my own life, I too am bit by the serpent. I have venom flowing through my veins and threatening my existence. Sin is the venom. Chances are, if you were honest with yourself, you would say the same. But Jesus is not content with standing by the wayside and watching His people die. Jesus says that the act of looking on Him is synonymous with the act of being healed. He’s the cure for my deplorable state. He’s the One that is lifted up, so that I may be healed.

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

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

- Luke 2: 10-14  

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”