Suggested Bible Reading: Numbers 21-22
Devotional Thought:
Chapter 21 records Israel’s eighth and last murmuring. Their murmuring is all too familiar. How frustrating it must have been to Moses to yet again experience the complaints of the people. They are almost at the end of their journey, but instead of learning from past history and trusting God in midst of difficulty, they again prove that the old disease of dissatisfaction is still in their system. What makes this chapter particularly interesting, however, is the fact that we have two types, one of the Lord Jesus and His death and the other of the Holy Spirit. First there is the account of the necessity of the brazen serpent. It is one of the clearest pictures of God’s way of salvation for the sinner. Jesus used this story when showing Nicodemus how he could be born again (Jn 3:14). Second, the well at Beer and its refreshing waters demonstrates the well of living water, which the Holy Spirit brings to the believer (Jn 4:14). In this chapter God gives his people three things. At Hormah God gives them (1) victory over their enemies, in the wilderness He gives (2) healing to cure the venom of the fiery serpents, and at Beer He gives them (3) water to meet their need of thirst. Though the wilderness was tough, God was good and gracious to His chosen people, just as He is to us. The trials and dangers in the journey certainly brought discouragement. It is often after a big victory in our Christian walk that we need to be most on guard with our flesh. The discouragements of life often brings discontentment in the hearts of people with regard to God’s provision for them. When Israel had complained before about their food God met the need by graciously supplying their needs, but now He sent among them the deadly fiery serpents. Why did God respond in this way? It was not because of their constant sin of murmuring against Him, but on this occasion their complaint was even more serious in that they referred to the manna as “this light (or worthless) bread.” How could they call that which was a daily gift from God worthless food? Christians today respond the same way about the Bible. We may not be guilty of saying the Bible is worthless, but our actions often say it. Some Christians have a Bible but do not read it daily, some let our minds wander during the preaching, or we simply never respond to the Bible message. Our actions say that God’s word is worthless food. May we never forget the fiery serpents as a reminder of God’s thinking regarding our flippant and arrogant attitude toward His provision. The brazen serpent is an amazing testimony of God’s amazing grace. This story is a wonderful picture of salvation, but a constant reminder of God’s mercy and grace. God, who must punish sin, is always ready to forgive and extend His grace. May we model this compassionate and consistent example in our dealing with people.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be content with your word, earnestly contend for your word, and be committed to your word.
• Lord, thank you for the reminder of checking my attitude. Help me to be content with everything your bring into my life. Remind me that you work all things together for good.
• Lord, please help me to model the grace and mercy your show to me. Thank you for the illustration of the brazen serpent.