Mounted on a Pole ~ Lifted High

~~~ Numbers 21:4-9 ~~~ Psalm 102 ~~~ John 8: 21- 30 ~~~

It is human nature to get discouraged at the end of a journey. As we get closer to Holy Week we may be struggling to see if anything worthwhile comes from our Lenten sacrifices. We may be tired of doing the same things each day...our routine may be getting boring...our determination waning.

The people who were following Moses were weary from their long journey and their palate was not satisfied. They were longing to taste something more stimulating.

Moses prayed and God decided to spice up their lives with poisonous serpents. The serpent of bronze restored their attention. In order to saved from death those bitten had only to look at up at the snake. This renewed their desire to continue on their journey.

The healing quality of this serpent was later incorporated into the symbol for the field of medicine used even today.

This visual of the healing snake on the staff was a precursor of Jesus hanging upon the cross. The snake was a symbol of God's grace, but the true meaning was soon overlooked. The Israelites became so obsessed with this bronze serpent that it later had to be destroyed as an idol.

If today you have within you poison venom from the bite of sin, you have only to come to the cross of Christ look up and repent. Looking up at the crucifix and holding your gaze upon his tortured body will send his love and mercy into your heart. Remember that clean heart you are longing for? It is here with arms outstretched waiting to receive you in a full embrace.

 

An embrace so totally saturated with love that you know without a doubt that it belongs to what is above. It cannot be of this world. The one who will be raised up on high for all to see and realize with conviction is the I AM. He will always do what is pleasing to the Father. The Father will never abandon him. He will always be with him.

Come to the Foot of the Cross, believe and seek the mercy of God.