The Snakes in the Desert: From Murmuring to Mercy
Base Text: Numbers 21:4–9
Complementary Text: John 3:14–15
Introduction
A Historical Context: This passage recounts a critical moment for the people of Israel during their wilderness journey. After experiencing God's deliverance from Egypt, they fell into a pattern of rebellion, murmuring against God. As a consequence of this sin, God sent venomous serpents among them.
The Christological Connection: Hundreds of years later, Jesus Himself cited this event. He used the bronze serpent as a "type" or illustration of His own redemptive work. He noted that just as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, He also had to be lifted up so that the world might find salvation (John 3:14–15).
The Reality of Sin: We must understand that sin is a spiritual reality; it is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). It is not a trivial matter or a human invention.
The Weight of Consequence: There has never been a sin without a consequence. Because of this gravity, we must seriously reflect on our relationship with the Creator.
I. The Cause of Sin (Numbers 21:4–5)
How does a person who has seen God’s miracles fall into such deep rebellion?
• Impatience: The text says the people became discouraged or "impatient" on the way (v. 4). Long journeys and difficult paths often test our character.
• Murmuring: Impatience quickly turned into words. They spoke against God and Moses. Murmuring is the outward fruit of an inward heart of discontent.
• Contempt for Blessing: They looked at the manna—the miraculous bread from heaven—and called it "worthless" or "miserable food." They took a divine blessing and treated it with contempt.
• Modern Application: We often do the same. We overlook our health, our families, and our provision, forgetting that "every good gift" comes from Him (1 Timothy 6:17).
Spiritual Principle: Impatience leads to murmuring, and murmuring leads to open rebellion. To combat this, we must put on patience (Luke 21:19) and trust in God’s timing rather than our own anxieties (Philippians 4:6).
II. The Consequences of Sin (Numbers 21:6)
Sin is never "free"; it always sends a bill.
• Gravity of the Penalty: In the desert, God sent "fiery serpents," and many people died. This physical death served as a visible lesson of a spiritual truth.
• Spiritual Death: The ultimate wages of sin is death—not just the stopping of the heart, but spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23; Isaiah 59:1–2).
• The Finality of Judgment: Today, sin might not bring an immediate snake bite, but it brings spiritual decay. If a person remains in that state, they face the "second death" or eternal separation (Revelation 20:6; 21:8).
• No Second Chances: Scripture is clear: after death comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is no "Plan B" once we leave this life.
III. The Remedy for Sin (Numbers 21:7–9)
Despite the rebellion, God did not leave the people without hope. He provided a way out that required faith.
• A Divine Provision: God ordered Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. The remedy came from God’s grace, not human effort or medicine.
• "Look and Live": The command was simple: Look at the serpent and live. To look was an act of faith and obedience.
• The Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus took this imagery and applied it to the Cross. He was "lifted up" to take the venom of our sin upon Himself.
• The Process of Salvation: While the remedy is provided by God, the response is human. We must:
1. Recognize our sin (as the Israelites did in v. 7).
2. Repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19).
3. Confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9).
4. Be Baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
See Also
- Rejecting the Purpose of God: Don't Nullify His Counsel
- What Can We Learn from the Children of the Bible?
- The power of influence in the life of a Christian
Conclusion
The story of the serpents in the desert is our story. We have all been "bitten" by the venom of sin, and the result is death. However, God, in His infinite mercy, has provided the only effective remedy through Jesus Christ.
Let us learn the lesson of the Israelites: impatience and discontent lead to death, but faith and patience lead to life. Don't play with the "serpents" of sin. Instead, turn your eyes toward the Savior who was lifted up for you.
