Star-Gazing

When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness for forty years they "spoke against God and Moses." As a result Moses was instructed to set up a bronze serpent upon which they would gaze to be healed of snake bites God had sent as their consequence for complaining. In John 3:14-15 the significance of that event is seen in the words "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the So of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

As Jesus was crucified the Romans, the religious mob and all others who had gathered gazed upon Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star as he provided the healing payment for Satan's sin bite in their lives. In Matthew 27:36 the Bible says, "sitting down, they kept watch over Him there." While they were gazing upon Jesus they saw and heard evidences of who He was. The sayings of Jesus on the cross included "It is finished!" That, of course, referred to God's plan for the salvation of all who would receive the sacrifice made that day by Jesus. In response one of the Roman soldiers exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God."

Today we look back on that scene. We can choose to respond to the glory of God's Star or turn away and suffer the effects of Satan's bite. Look upon him today and enjoy the grace God has provided for today and all eternity. He has finished all that needs to be done for each of us except to receive the gift.