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Verse:And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. —Numbers 21:9, KJV
COVID-19 has overtaken our lives! What we wear, what we do, where we go, and when we go are determined by instructions or requirements from our local governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America. Some supermarket shelves are empty.
Many people have lost their jobs.
Others have lost their lives to this deadly disease. Many hospitals have no available beds. States are recommending (or requiring) that people wear masks when they leave their homes and practice social distancing when they encounter others.
In the Bible, the children of Israel were in the Sinai Desert when they experienced an infestation of serpents. Many were being bitten by the snakes and immediately becoming sick —some to the point of death.
But God told them through Moses that if they would only look at a brazen serpent that Moses was lifting high on a pole, they would live.
Simple! The temperature in my state is rising, and the Memorial Day holiday is fast approaching. Many people are thinking, Spring is here, and we want to party as usual! The best beach locations are awaiting our arrival! We have been quarantined for almost two months. Who knows whether face masks and social distancing are making a difference? One state official did say that swimming in a pool is acceptable.
No masks or social distancing allowed at our beach party! Yet those in the Sinai Desert who debated the merits of looking at the brazen serpent died.
All they had to do was look at the uplifted serpent and live. In our pandemic, many who ignored the requirements to practice social distancing and wear face masks so that they could party at the beach soon contracted the virus.
All they would have had to do to stay well was remain at home or simply don a face mask and practice social distancing. When will we open our eyes and hearts to accept the subtle pleadings to live —live eternally with our Lord and Savior? “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you” (Revelation 3:20, The Message).
It’s simple: look to Jesus now and live!
Sylvia A. Franklin