Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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  The Gaze at the crucified one
Bible Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
8 The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 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
DEVOTION

 In the scripture above we read where a bronze serpent becomes the instrument of healing, offers a profound reflection on sin, divine mercy, and the essence of faith. The Israelites, burdened by their own discontent and rebellion, faced the dire consequences of their grumbling: venomous snakes and widespread death. Yet, even in their self-inflicted suffering, God extended a path to redemption. He instructed Moses to craft a bronze serpent and elevate it on a pole, a seemingly simple act that held immense symbolic weight.
This act was a test of faith. The healing was contingent on the people’s willingness to look upon the serpent, an act of acknowledging their need for divine intervention.  This simple action underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision. The bronze serpent, lifted high, foreshadows the ultimate act of salvation: the lifting up of Jesus Christ on the cross.  As John 3:14-15 explains, just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent, we are offered eternal life by looking to Christ in faith. 
This passage serves as a potent reminder that our sins have tangible consequences, often leading to suffering. However, God's mercy surpasses our transgressions, offering a path to restoration. The requirement to look upon the serpent highlights the active nature of faith. It is not passive belief, but a conscious choice to turn towards God's provision. In our own lives, when confronted with the consequences of our actions, we are called to emulate the Israelites’ repentant gaze, fixing our eyes on Christ, the ultimate source of healing and salvation.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,  grant us the faith to look to your son, trusting in his sacrifice for our healing and forgiveness. Amen.

Thought for the day

Do we recognize God's outstretched hand, offering healing through Christ? Are we willing to actively look to Him, trusting in His provision, or are we clinging to our own solutions? 

Anish Thomas 
Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington

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