So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:9
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:4-9, the people once again grumble and complain against the LORD, yet God is abounding in love, relents from His punishment and provides a way out. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God sees grumbling and complaining as a sin, so Israel is punished - v6. Yet God is merciful and He responds to prayer as the people confess and seek for Moses to intercede - v8.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The people are not yet in the Promised Land, and of course one can imagine the people (as we would) seeking the quickest way possible to get to their destination. Impatience can be seen as a childish behavior (are we there yet?), but it afflicts adults just as well. The pattern of Israel's grumbling and complaining, and of God showing mercy, is staggering - God not only provides second chances, but third, fourth, etc. Yes, many are harshly punished, but we have to acknowledge that we ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So we don't deserve God's mercy - yet He provides a way out. Jesus is this way out - if we confess, like Israel does here in v7 and we have someone like Moses who intercedes on our behalf (we do in Jesus), we can be assured of forgiveness and of salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Yet we cannot prevent punishment as this is for God alone to determine and we must see punishment as love from the Father for good. Israel should have seen this in how they remained in the wilderness.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not grumble and complain. Claim the promises that God disciplines those He loves, and God forgives and saves. Follow the example of Israel who confessed - and the example of those acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Be thankful in all circumstances.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
