The  Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible. It takes its name from two “numberings” of the Children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land – one was at Mt. Sinai at the beginning of their “wanderings” in the desert, and the other was on the plains of Moab as a new generation was preparing to enter the Promised Land, some forty years later. Most of the book covers the experiences of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness. As one commentator describes it: “While it may be necessary to pass through wilderness experiences in our own lives, one does not have to live there. For Israel, an eleven day journey became a forty year agony!” this place 

When Israel sent twelve spies into the Promised Land shortly after they received the Law on Mt. Sinai, they returned with a good report of the land, but they were fearful of the fortified cities and the “giants” who dwelled in the land. Although Joshua and Caleb believed in God’s promise that they would have success and conquer the land, the other ten spies brought a negative report that it could not be done. And God “judged” them, causing them to wander in the wilderness for forty years, that is, until the unbelieving generation passed from the scene. Such a great lesson for us as we consider the promises that God has given us. Believing and trusting in them will result in His blessings, but disregarding them will bring confusion and calamity.

As most of you are aware, in spite of their unbelief and rebellion against God, He still provided both water and food for them. When God brought forth water from the Rock at Horeb, we have a picture of Christ, as the Apostle Paul said, “…they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4). In addition, as God continued to provide manna for them, Jesus Himself said that He was the “Bread of Life” that comes down from heaven” (Jn. 6:31-33). As we look at the New Covenant in which we are now living, Jesus is the “Water of Life,” quenching our spiritual thirst, and He is also the “Bread of Life,” giving us a constant supply of spiritual nourishment. In Him, we will never grow thirsty or hungry for spiritual truth and sustenance because He constantly supplies all that we need.

 While the above verses are vitally important, I’d like to provide what I consider a pivotal and very important verse in the Book of Leviticus. The incident occurred when the Israelites encountered poisonous “snakes” in the desert, and many of those who were bitten died. What were they to do? God provided the answer to Moses, 

“Make a bronze serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he shall live” (Num. 21:8).

I am continually blessed to see all of the instances in the Old Testament that point directly to Christ in the New Testament. Consider how Jesus looked back to this incident and pointed to His coming crucifixion,

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son  of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in Him find eternal life” (Jn. 3:14-15). 

I believe that when the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent in the wilderness, they had to believe Moses that in doing so, they would be healed and not die from the snake bite. Likewise, as we come to the New Testament, we find Jesus looking back to this experience in the wilderness, telling us that if we “look upon Him on the cross” (not the bronze serpent on the standard) seeking the forgiveness of sins, we will be forgiven and “healed” from the “poison of sin.”

 If you haven’t done so, just recognize your need for forgiveness, and “look to Him,” the One who died for your sins, and believe that if you confess your sins, He will forgive you (1 Jn. 1:9). Simple? Not a chance! In order to confess our sins, we must admit to our sins, and that takes humility. It’s not simple, and is certainly the most difficult thing you will ever do. But we must do it, if we are going to be cleansed from sin and find new life in Christ. I am praying that you will do so, and do it today.

I hope to see you next week as we look at the last of the “Books of Moses.”