April 10

Look and Live

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” — Num 21:8 BSB

This is a glorious gospel type. Jesus, numbered with the transgressors, hangs before us on the cross. A look to Him will heal us of the serpent-bite of sin; it will heal us at once—"When he looks upon it, he shall live." Let the reader who is mourning their sinfulness note the words—"Everyone who looks upon it shall live." Every looker will find this to be true. I have found it so. I looked to Jesus and lived at once; I know I did. Reader, if you look to Jesus, you will live too. True, you are swelling with the venom, and you see no hope. True also, there is no hope but this one. But this is no uncertain cure—"Everyone who is bitten, when they look upon it, shall live."

The bronze serpent was not lifted up as a curiosity for the healthy to gaze upon; its special purpose was for those who were "bitten." Jesus died as a real Savior for real sinners. Whether the bite has made you a drunkard, a thief, unchaste, or profane, a look at the great Savior will heal you of these diseases and make you live in holiness and communion with God. Look and live.