May 12, 2010

Numbers 21

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up." Such were the words of Jesus as recorded in John 3:14. Following shortly thereafter are the most memorized words of the Bible, John 3;16. When we had grumbled and complained about the magnificent provision of the Lord, the Lord permitted that old serpent, the devil, to bite us. We were dead and dying in our own trespasses and sins. In the midst of our despair, the Lord sent Jesus to become sin on our behalf. Hanging on the pole (cross), He died in our place. We have only to look (trust in) to Him, and instantly we are healed. Now that is glory on His part! Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

John 3:1-21

I remember looking down into the bassinette the first time that I laid him in it. He was my first child. What an amazing thing! Here was a new life. I was responsible for raising him. I was overwhelmed with the responsibility. I was in awe of what God had done--a new life. I would think that almost anyone who has had a child knows of what I speak. Yet there is something even more amazing--new spiritual life.

In this passage Jesus uses that phrase that has become so over used in our culture. He tells this highly religious man that he must be born again. In explaining it, He gives us that most memorized verse of the Scripture, John 3:16. He tells us that He will die so that we can be born again. His light reveals our sin. When we come to His light and present our sin to Him, His deed on the cross and resurrection removes our sin and creates life out of death. That is an even more amazing miracle than the physical birth! It is what He does that produces it! He creates life out of my death. That is better than the amazing thing that He does in creating physical babies! Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john