MAY 14, 2024
Topic: LOOK AND LIVE
Text: Numbers 21:4-9; Isaiah 45:14-23; John 3:13-15
Memory Verse: “In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of man to be lifted up – and everyone who looks up to Him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life” – (John 3:14-15 MSG)
Where do you fix your gaze? On yourself, powers that be, occultic powers or help from idols? Did not your God promise to disgrace the makers of idols and called “foolish” those who look up to them? (Isa. 45:16, 20)
Look up to me and be saved, the Lord said long ago (Isa. 45:22); and there are many reasons He said so. The bronze serpent attached to the pole was a symbol, an antitype. This would later find substance in the sacrificial death of Jesus, who would be lifted upon the cross for the spiritual healing of men – men who would just look like those who were bitten by those venomous snakes in the desert looked up to the bronze serpent and were healed! Note that the people’s request for Moses’ prayer and confession of sin did not help; only looking at the lifted bronze serpent brought healing (Num. 21:7; Acts 4:12)
To look requires dogged, unyielding faith and trust in The One who is the author and finisher of our faith. The One who created the heavens and the earth (Isa. 45:11-12; Heb. 12:12). Why? Humans are finite and cannot be trusted (Micah 7:5-6) and so, it is imperative that we look up to our God for help – even if He tarries, He would not tarry (Micah 7:7-8; Habakkuk 2:3); only those who look to Him are radiant and are never put to shame (Ps. 34:5)
In looking, please look carefully, (Heb. 12:15) because looking down, may make you exhausted, lose heart and be terribly disappointed. ‘Looking up’ requires stretching your faith beyond the temporal gains to attain eternal bliss (2 Cor. 4:16-18; 2 Pet. 3:12-13).
Finally, the Lord made a solemn promise to only those who will look up (John 12:31-32); question is, are you ready to look up and live?
PRAYER: Turn this song to prayer as you sing heartily:
“Look and live”, my brother, live
Look to Jesus now and live
‘Tis recorded in His word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you “look and live”