Numbers 21:4-9 (click to view Scripture below)
Bleak circumstances can be a hope killer. The Hebrew people had been wandering in the desert with conflict on every side. Despite the very real provision in answer to their hunger that God had provided in the form of miraculously sustaining bread, they “loathed” it and called it “worthless food.” Judgement came in response to their disdain, but even so, God had mercy and made a way of escape in the form of a bronze serpent. The one who looked on it would be healed. In a grand gesture of grace, the God whose provision had just been insulted once again provided a way out, even in the middle of a necessary judgment.
The Hebrews were in crisis, both through their own doings and those of others, and hope was running thin. Who hasn’t passed through such dark moments that they could have lost hope altogether? In moments like these, we are at the very least tempted to speak out of turn, losing sight of the provision and protection that we know is constant in our lives.
If we who know this grace can experience such dark trials, how much more must we relentlessly seek to make our ChildHope children aware of God’s relentless grace? Then they will know that rescue is imminent, even in the darkest moments.
Regional Coordinator, Andean Region of South America
Prayer: Jesús, we ask that you help us to never take your provision for granted, and that in moments when we lose sight, we would humbly receive your rescue. Help us, also, to be constant in extending this hope to those who don’t yet know to trust your hand. Amen.
See other devotionals in this series.
Numbers 21:4-9 (ESV)
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. 7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 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.” 9 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.
See other devotionals in this series.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.