And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

John 3:14-21

Dear God, as I read this passage and try to compare it to the story from Numbers 21 I am trying to make the link between the viper-stricken person who had grumbled in the wilderness and me, the guy who needs to look upon Jesus to be healed. What are our similarities?

The first similarity is that I am on a journey. Even last night, I had what I would call stress dreams—being late for a plane, can’t get everything packed, etc. There’s a lot going on in my physical world and I’m obviously trying to sort through it and getting on top of it. But am I looking at Jesus and remembering the peace that comes with your provision? Am I remembering to pray in real time and look for your peace. Am I doing the work I need to do each day with your power, authority, and blessing?

Father, help me to look to you, do what is in front of me to do with your power, and absorb the notion that you are calling me to peace. I fail. I am sinful. I am often afraid my sins will be exposed. But your light brings freedom. Be glorified in me through my weakness.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen