Look at Jesus and Live

Sep 3

Written By Larry Eiss

Numbers 21:4-9 recounts the Lord's instruction to Moses about raising a snake up on a pole to save people's lives.

This is a shadow of what is now made real in Christ.

Shadow:
Snakes were killing the Israelites. (The snakes represent sin.)

Reality:
The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)

Shadow:
The people confessed that they had sinned. (verse 7)

Reality:
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Shadow:
Moses made a bronze snake. (Some translations say brass, and that's fine.)
Bronze, or brass, is an amalgamation of two metals.

Reality:
Jesus is, in a sense, an amalgamation; fully God and fully man.
(Colossians 1:15 & 19)

Shadow:
The snake is lifted up on a pole.

Reality:
Jesus was lifted up on a pole. The cross.
(John 3:14-15, 8:28, & 12:32)

Shadow:
When the people trusted God's word and looked at the snake, they escaped death.

Reality:
Trusting God's Word (Jesus), looking to Him, gives life.
(John 3:14-17)

Let this reassure you in the faith. The Gospel is 100% true!

The Gift of God