A

snake on a pole may seem a strange image to represent healing and

blessing from God. But in the context of the story in Numbers 21,

that’s what happened. God made it so. And the people learned, as

they ­often had done before, that they needed to trust in God.

We

might not be surprised that the people grumbled against God and Moses

in the desert. All around them was a trackless, howling wilderness,

with searing heat and blinding sandstorms. Ahead of them were

powerful enemies, barricaded in high, walled cities.

But

God had solved all of their crises before: bringing them through the

Red Sea, giving them manna (bread), quail (meat), and water each day.

With such a firm foundation for faith, was there any reason for the

people not to trust God with their future?

The

same question can apply today for God’s people who might grumble

against him. And we have a lot more of God’s faithfulness in

history to remind us of his care. We also have the good news of

salvation through Jesus, who was lifted up on a cross for our sake.

He took on himself all the punishment for sin and rebellion that was

rightly ours to bear. Jesus even explained that the snake on a pole

in Moses’ day pointed to his saving work on the cross. So everyone

who looks to him and believes may now have eternal life.

Do

you trust him?