Numbers 20-21

Through tragedy and triumph, victory and defeat, progress and setback – the LORD is with his people.  He is faithful, even when his chosen servants fail.  He remains faithful even when his people’s enemies surround them. 

The bronze serpent, sign of the very punishment being meted out by the LORD himself, became a symbol of hope for the Israelites.  Likewise, the cross – a symbol of the shame and punishment Christ took for us – is now a symbol of hope.

“Therefore, …let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

LORD, we look to the cross, and continue to walk (and run) into our future with hope.