WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.” John 3:14-15
READ
In the book of Exodus there is a story from the time when the Israelites were in the desert. A plague of snakes was biting people, and the people were becoming sick and even dying. The plague got so bad that Moses was instructed by God to make a large bronze snake and place it on a pole. All the people would have to do is look at the snake (the faith part), and they would be instantly healed of their snake bites.
I think that the imagery here points to Jesus. In the same way that the snake was lifted up on a pole, Jesus would be raised up on the cross to die and everyone who looks to Jesus would be healed. The Israelites kept this bronzed snake when they built the first temple, and it remained there for a long time in a place of great honour. In the same way, the cross has been turned from something which only meant death and humiliation into something of honour among the followers of Christ.
PREPARE
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
PRAY
- Pray that God can teach us the way the cross can heal us
- Pray that we give Jesus the honour due to Him for that act
TRUST
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
FOLLOW
What’s happening around us?
Ray of Hope’s Community Centre, now located in the building previously operated by the Waterloo Regional Dream Centre, offers a place of safety and support to those struggling through poverty and homelessness in the core of downtown Kitchener. Each man and woman who visits the centre is met by individuals who truly care about their well-being. They are provided a hot meal, groceries, clothing, blankets, towels, personal hygiene products and shower and laundry facilities. Volunteers model the life of Jesus by offering fellowship, encouragement, and practical resources that help men and women develop essential life skills, overcome addictions and rebuild their lives.
http://www.rayofhope.net