Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+21.1-9

Scripture

So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died.

Observation

The Canaanite king of Arad hears that the Israelites are coming, so he attacks them and takes some prisoner. The Israelites vow to the Lord to destroy their towns if the Lord gives them victory.

Then the people start to become impatient at being in the wilderness for so long. They complain that there is nothing to eat except for the disgusting manna. The Lord sends some poisonous snakes, and many people are bitten and die. They repent of their grumbling and ask Moses to pray for them. The Lord tells him to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole so that those who look upon it will be healed of their snake bite.

Application

Grizzling, complaining, griping, grumbling, negativity. Whatever we call it, this attitude of pulling down God’s gracious provision is common.

Erwin Mcmanus, pastor of a large church in Los Angeles, points out that atheists are quick to blame God for all the bad things in the world, but they never give Him credit for the good things.

The Israelites were in the wilderness because they refused to believe that God could take them into the Promised Land. Now they are complaining about being there and having to eat that “horrible manna.”

Their negativity and grumbling against God led Him to lift His protection for a day or so. Quickly the Israelites changed their tune as they saw the destruction that comes when we blame God rather than praising Him.

Christians need to be people of praise. We have so much to be thankful for- salvation, a relationship with God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and much more.

Blaming God leads to destruction, but thankfulness brings an abundant life.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this reminder to maintain the attitude of gratitude. Help me to rejoice in you every day. Amen.

Scripture

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, he lived.

Observation

The Canaanite king of Arad attacks the Israelites, capturing some of them. The people call out to the Lord, vowing to destroy the city if the Lord gives them victory. They do this, destroying the towns and the people.

As they travel on, the people become impatient, and they speak out against God and against Moses. The Lord sends venomous snakes which kill many people. The Israelites repent, Moses prays, and the Lord tells him to make a bronze snake which will bring healing to people who are bitten.

Application

The story of Israel is replete with ups and downs, victories and defeats. All through their history, there are times of awesome faith in the Lord and there are times of terrible unbelief and sin.

All of us go through similar cycles of great faith and great sin.

The key to overcoming and walking in victory is simple: Don’t give up.

Today’s defeat, sin or opposition can so quickly turn to victory as we surrender ourselves to the Lord and let Him have His way in us.

Prayer

Praise be to you heavenly Father. Please help me to walk increasingly in your ways, overcoming every sin and temptation. Amen.