Bible Pathways - February 22, 2006

February 22, 2006
Read Numbers 21
In Today's
Fiery serpents; brass serpent;
The Israelites were near their last encampment and would soon cross the
The response to Moses' prayer was immediate. The LORD said to Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live (21:8). The brass serpent was a symbol both of God's judgment against their sin and of His mercy and love for all who repented and truly believed in Him.
Many centuries later, in His conversation with Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1-21), Jesus said that the serpent which had been lifted up by Moses in the wilderness illustrated Himself as the One who would be lifted up on the cross as the only way for sinners to be saved from eternal death (3:14; also 12:32). Jesus did not tell Nicodemus how he should live to have eternal life, rather He told him how to be made alive. Jesus replied to Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
As children of our Heavenly Father, we are reminded: Let not sin therefore reign (rule) in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts (evil desires) thereof. . . . but yield yourselves unto God (Romans 6:12-13).
Word Studies:
21:4 compass = go around; 21:11 toward the sunrising = eastern border; 21:23 suffer = permit; 22:1 this side = east side; 22:4 lick up = defeat in battle, consume; 22:5 over against = in front of; opposite; 22:6 wot = know.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses who was faithful to pray to God for the people (Numbers 21:7). Christ Jesus . . . was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house (Hebrews 3:1-2). Jesus prayed for us (John 17:20).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Pastor Clay Taylor · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Sue Moore · Staff: Kenneth Roy Roberts III · Government Officials: Sen. Bill Frist (TN) and Sen. Edward Kennedy (MA) · Country: Kazakhstan (17 million) central Asia · Major languages: Kazakh and Russian · Religious tolerance · 40% Muslim; 25% Russian Orthodox/Armenian Apostolic; 1% Protestant; .6% Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Proverbs 28:9).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 12:19