Scripture for Today: Numbers 21:9  “So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole.  Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.”

Snakes are fascinating and disgusting all at once.  I am either afraid or repelled by them.  From time to time, Tiger, our cat, will bring a garden snake into the house to play.  Snake removal is a role I happily give to my husband!

Men do not normally have the same reaction to snakes as women.  I am sure I am overgeneralizing but it is true that as a result of the fall there is enmity between snakes and women (Gen.3:15).  Also, because of the fall, the snake is especially cursed above any other creature.

Our verse for today is in the context of severe discipline for the Israelites.  They were once again complaining, regardless of the fact that God was providing for their every need.  As punishment, they were bitten by snakes.  However, God showed mercy by providing a cure to their deadly bite.  If they would look up to the bronze snake lifted high on a standard they would be healed.  As strange as it may seem, I imagine there were some who refused to look.

God continues to show mercy today.  He has provided a cure for the most deadly disease; our own sin (Romans 6:23).  Jesus took the punishment for my sin on the cross.  But He requires of me that I look up to that cross in faith.

The cross is foolishness and a stumbling block for so many.  How heartbreaking to see those who could be healed but refuse to look to Him in faith!  I am so grateful Lord, that I looked and that You showed me mercy.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 107: 13-14  “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke apart the bonds that held them.”

The French have an expression that makes me smile.  They use their word for “unchained” to express the idea of over-active, over-playful or hyper!  It is a great way to describe school children let go from their classes at the end of the day.  There is visible joy in being liberated at last!

There are all sorts of chains that hold people back.  My heart goes out to people seen on news reports who are bound and used because of evil men.  But there are spiritual chains as well.  Chains due to our own sin are the hardest to break.  One can be chained to a sinful habit without even being aware.  Some live their lives in the pursuit of personal freedom, rejecting whatever mores and values they feel restrain them.  They end up bound and tangled in their own sinful behavior, powerless to change things.

Our verse for today is a cry for freedom from bondage.  These people were bound because they rebelled against Him and His counsel.  There was nothing they could do to free themselves.  Yet God was gracious and saved them from their distress.

He is still doing it!  His grace is still unchaining those who cry to Him.  Satan would like one to believe that those chains are unbreakable.  But Christ’s sacrifice has broken the power of sin and death forever!  His love is unending and His grace is amazing!

“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.  My God, my Savior has ransomed me.  And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace!”

Scripture for Today:  John 10:9  “I am the Door; anyone who enters by Me will be saved.  He will come in and go out freely and will find pasture.”

I am fascinated by doors in Europe.  There are so many shapes and sizes.  These large ones leading into courtyards are especially eye catching for their shape.  I learned that the arch, although pretty, is not there for looks.  Its shape allowed for the passage of horse and carriage in former times.

In our verse for today Jesus describes Himself as the Door of the sheepfold.  In this image is found exclusivity and freedom; exclusivity because He is THE Door and not one of many.  Those who enter the sheepfold by another way are called thieves and robbers.  But those who enter by the Door are His own.  They enjoy freedom.  Those sheep who belong to the Shepherd can go in and out freely and enjoy green pastures or abundant life!

It is through Jesus and Jesus alone that we have salvation and pardon for sin.  He made a way for us at great cost to Himself.  Those who try to circumvent the Door miss out, not only on eternal life but an abundant life full of green pastures on this earth!  How amazing that He cares about the quality of life in the here and now.  It is through Him that we find those green pastures implying rest, protection and satisfaction.

My daughters accuse me of having a song for every idea or occasion.  I remember a very old children’s song that says, “One door and only one and yet its sides are two.  I’m on the inside, on which side are you?”  For now, that Door still stands open.  May I be faithful in pointing others to the Door, leading to salvation and abundant life!