Numbers Chapter 21
Two forms of Mercy.
First Form of Mercy:
Israel continues to complain against God so God punishes them by sending fiery serpents that bite them and kill them. So when the Israelites acknowledge their sin, God instructs Moses to make a fiery serpent image to be held up on an item so that if they are bitten they can look at the serpent image and live. Jesus explain to Nicodemus that just as a serpent image was lifted up so that people could look to it and be rescued, he stated that he too would one day be lifted up onto a cross and any who look to him could be saved from spiritual death and begin a new life of forgiveness and a new life in heaven when we leave this earth. What a blessing it is to know that God’s love and mercy is still shown to us even after we fail him.
Second Form of Mercy:
After the Israelites experienced punishment for their lack of faith, God shows Mercy and allows them to defeat their enemies in battle. May we trust God and Trust that he can deliver us from our battles of life as we turn to him for help. God will forgive our past and still show Mercy for our future. Thank you Jesus!
