Scripture
So Moses made a snake out of bronze and placed it on a pole. There anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and they would be healed.

Observation
The people of Israel head south to skirt around Edom. They grow impatient with the journey and complain against Moses and God. The complaints are the same old complaints that mark the journey- no food, no drink. They also complain about the manna which is a big mistake.

God sends poisonous snakes amongst the people and many die. They repent and ask Moses to intercede for the Lord to take the snakes away.

The Lord tells Moses to make a snake out of bronze and attach it to a pole. All who look at the snake are healed.

Application
It is a dangerous thing to reject God's gift. The Israelites complained many times that there was no food or drink. But when they complained that the manna was “horrible” then punishment came swiftly.

God's punishment is not extreme. When we repent God quickly alleviates the judgement. In this case, grace came in the form of a snake on a pole to heal the afflicted.

The message is clear- when God gives us something we must always receive it with gladness- even if it is not what we would choose for ourselves.

Prayer
Develop in me a spirit of gratitude Father, Please prevent me from ever despising that which you declare to be good. Amen.