The Lord miraculously brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. However, when they came nigh unto the Promised Land, they refused to go in because of the evil report of the 10 spies. Some time later, they complained against God and against Moses for lack of water and for their daily manna. As a punishment, the Lord sent fiery serpents (poisonous snakes) to bite the people, “and much people of Israel died” (Num. 21:6).
Israel cried to Moses for mercy. In mercy, the Lord told Moses to make a serpent of brass, and to lift it upon a pole. Whomever a serpent had bitten, if the person would look upon the brazen serpent, he would live. And as the Lord said, so it was (Num. 21:7-9). What is the point?
Sin is killing us, and we cannot escape its death penalty. Yet Jesus became the thing that is causing our death and was judged for our sin so that we might live. Jesus likened the brazen serpent to Himself: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (Jn. 3:14). If we will look to the Savior in faith, He will save us.
Looking to the Savior means depending only on Jesus to save. Works won’t save; baptism won’t save; church membership won’t save. Jesus saves. His sacrifice on the cross pays for our sin. We look to Jesus in faith.
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