Look to the Cross! In today’s Daily Devotional for September 14, we reflect on the significance of the bronze serpent in the Book of Numbers and its connection to the Cross of Christ. This powerful symbol reminds us how God deals with sin and offers salvation.
Daily Devotional for September 14
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” – John 3:14-15
The Bronze Serpent and the Cross
In the Book of Numbers, we read about the Israelites who, after complaining and rebelling against God, faced punishment in the form of fiery serpents. Many were bitten, and they turned to Moses for help as they suffered.
God’s response was not to remove the serpents, but to instruct Moses to craft a bronze serpent and lift it up, so that those who looked upon it in faith would be healed (Numbers 21:4-9).
Why Didn’t God Remove the Serpents?
We might wonder why God didn’t simply remove the serpents. Instead, He provided a way for the people to be saved when bitten.
This reveals a profound truth: God often doesn’t remove the challenges or consequences of sin, but He offers us a way to overcome them. The serpents represent the ongoing presence of sin and evil in the world.
Though we face temptation and trials, God has given us the ultimate remedy—Jesus Christ.
Jesus and the Cross
In the Gospel of John, Jesus directly connects the bronze serpent and His own sacrifice on the cross: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14).
Jesus was lifted up on the cross to take upon Himself the poison of sin and death, just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be saved.
Gazing at Christ crucified heals us from the spiritual wounds caused by sin. His outstretched arms on the cross express God’s love, welcoming all who come to Him in faith.
Look to the Cross
The Cross is a symbol of salvation and a powerful lesson in how to live.
From the Cross, we learn love instead of hate, compassion instead of indifference, and forgiveness instead of revenge. From this vantage point, we can see our lives and the world in a new light.
When we look to the crucified Jesus, we are reminded that no matter how often the serpents of sin strike, Christ’s sacrifice has already defeated their power over us.
Our Response to the Cross
Our call today is to fix our gaze on Christ, just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent.
As we meditate on the Cross, we find the strength to face the trials of life, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory for us. Jesus’s arms stretched wide on the cross, inviting us into a life of love and unity with God and one another.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking upon Yourself the poison of sin and death on the cross. Help me to fix my eyes on You, trusting that Your sacrifice is the answer to all my struggles. Teach me to love as You love, to forgive as You forgive, and to live in the freedom You have won for me. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
To You
My brother, are you facing challenges that feel overwhelming today? Look to the Cross of Christ. Fix your gaze on Him and trust He has already taken your burdens upon Himself. Let His love and sacrifice be your source of strength and peace.
