June 21, 2011 – Numbers 21

Again we see nations not wanting to allow Israel to travel through their lands and thus being defeated by Israel. In at least one instance, they are obliterated and described as consumed. We also have here the story of the saraph and the Lord telling Moses to put one on a pole. The healing effect if looked upon foreshadows the healing we are to receive when gazing upon the cross of the Lord. As with Israel knowing that they had sinned against the Lord and seeking His forgiveness, so we are to fully acknowledge our sin when gazing upon the crucified Lord. I wonder why Protestant churches are so against having a crucifix and only have crosses. I don’t think that has ever been explained to me persuasively. The Lord told Nicodemus (I believe) that just as Israel looked upon the saraph so they would look on the Son of Man. How can you look upon that image when you refuse to put it in your church. I wear a crucifix everyday as a reminder of what my sin has done and to be reminded of the cost. A cross is something, but why take Jesus off of it.

This is also the familiar symbol for hospitals that you will see, the staff with the saraph, to represent the healing you go there to receive.