Look and Live!

During the last few months, we have appreciated the dedication of our health and emergency services, but I wonder whether you have ever noticed their logo, the snake and the rod which is often associated with the medical profession.  It is displayed on sides of ambulances and most recently has been used as the backdrop during Covid19 press conferences and is shown on the logo of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

There have been many debates over the origins of these symbols going back to the times of the ancient Greeks.  However, in the Bible, in Numbers chapter 21, we can see a clear biblical foundation.

The nation of Israel was on the move through the wilderness and they began to speak against God and their leader, a man of God called Moses.  During this time God sent fiery serpents into their camp and many of the company after being bitten by these snakes died.  The people then came to Moses and realised they had spoken and sinned against the God of heaven.

Moses prayed to God on behalf of the people and God provided a way of salvation. He asked Moses to create and set up a fiery serpent on a pole.  He then communicated, that anyone who was bitten by the snakes, and then looked upon the raised brass serpent on the pole would live.

In the New Testament of the Bible the Lord Jesus referred to this event in the 1000^th chapter of the Bible.  In the gospel of John, it states “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3 v 14).

This was a direct reference to the Lord Jesus who went to the place called Calvary where he was lifted up to be crucified to pay the price of our sin by shedding His precious blood.  The Lord Jesus said in chapter 12 of the same book “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12 v 32).

You may ask, why? – the Bible says, “For all have sinned” (Romans 3 v 23) and “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15 v 3)

The Lord Jesus died and was then laid in a tomb and on the third day arose triumphantly from the dead and was received back into heaven a short while later.

During this Pandemic we have adopted some helpful slogans – “Stay Home” and “Stay alert and Safe” and by following these we have helped to save lives.  In relation to your sin you can “Look and Live” – LOOK on the one who was lifted up at Calvary and paid the price of your sin in full.  By repenting of your sin and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ you will LIVE and be saved from your sins.

Will YOU look unto Him TODAY?

There is a life for a look at the crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee;

Then look, sinner, look unto Him, and be saved-

Unto Him who was nailed to the tree

 Hymn writer: Amelia M. Hull

Paul Cartwright