Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV)

Originally published 10/01/2015

The people of Israel rebelled against God's authority, complaining that he was not providing food and water as they wanted. God sent poison snakes among the people, and many died. The people admitted they were wrong and asked God to remove the snakes. "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live" Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV).  To answer their prayers God could have destroyed the snakes or made them nonpoisonous, but God was more concerned with their spiritual rebellion than their physical problems. So, he gave them a remedy that required them to submit to his authority. Lord, I know that all you want me to do is for the good of your kingdom and to help me grow to be more like you. But I can see that sometimes I do what is convenient or comfortable instead of what I know you want me to do. You have helped me to grow in obedience, but I ask you to give me the faith today to obey you more completely.



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