The Snakes (Numbers 21:4-9)

It's one thing to be thankful for food when you are starving or water when you are dehydrated.  It's something completely different to be thankful for food when you've always had it to eat.

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" (Numbers 21:4-5 NIV)

Manna and quail had become old miracles.  The Israelites weren't happy with the same food on the menu every day.  They had stopped being thankful.  They didn't like what the LORD had to offer any more.

Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. (Numbers 21:6 NIV)

Sometimes we do the same thing.  We become complacent with what God provides for us today.  We start to see his provision as being old, boring, and not miraculous at all.  We start wanting more - more variety, more quality, more quantity.  We're not satisfied with what God offers anymore, so we go after more.  Then we're surprised by God's response.

The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. (Numbers 21:7 NIV)

All sin is rebellion.  It's no small thing to tell God, "I don't want what you have to offer."  What a slap in the face.  We shouldn't be surprised, then, when we get what our rebellion deserves.  You cannot fight against God and win.

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." 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. (Numbers 21:8-9 NIV)

When we realize our rebellion and turn back to Him, though, God is faithful to forgive our sin.  He welcomes us back home with open arms.  He provides a way for us to be saved.  The Israelites learned this lesson when a bronze snake was lifted up in the desert.  Looking at the bronze snake healed them.  They were healed from the consequences of their rebellion.  They would live.

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." (John 3:14-15 NIV)

Our "bronze snake" is a little different, but the results are the same.  When we look upon Jesus lifted up on the cross, we are also healed from the consequences of our rebellion.  We will live.

What about you?  Do you tell God, "I don't want what you have to offer?"  Do you turn back to Him if you have?  Do you trust Jesus to heal you from the consequences of your rebellion?