In Numbers 21, the Israelites enter into their first battle as they get closer to the Promised Land. They are given their first victory in this battle, but only by the will of God. The Canaanites were wicked to the core which is a picture of sin in our own lives. Sin comes after us, but God destroys sin if we trust in Jesus. Godlessness deserves wrath but Jesus gives us victory over our sins. Judgement and mercy are seen together as God's wrath meets God's love for us. The people again complain and speak against God. Poisonous snakes then start slithering about. Sin enters in their blasphemy and lack of trust in God. God tells Moses to make a bronze snake and if they look up at the bronze snake, they will be saved from the poison of the snakes. John 3:14-15 tells us that just as Moses lifted a bronze snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up so everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. When people call out to God, He gives them a way. He gives us an option to repent, and have redemption and salvation. Salvation is free, we just have to look up. Jesus took the poison of our sins on Himself when He took our places on our crosses. We merely have to look up.
