The readings in church the other day were full of paradox. That's why I love scripture. It makes me question things. Questions give life. Once you have an answer the issue is dead.
Anyway, the first reading was about the Hebrews grumbling in the desert, and God sending snakes to bite them in punishment. (Numbers 21:4-9)
When Moses prayed, God said make a brass serpent, and if anyone looks on it when they have been bitten, they shall be healed.
(First, I should say that I don't take this Bible story literally - it is there to teach us eternal truths, not historical facts.)
Anyway, it got me thinking about sin, punishment and forgiveness. I think sin is selfishness, and it brings its own punishment. This is fairly obvious to me, but what was strange was the bit where Moses had to make a brass serpent for the healing to take place. Why not an eagle, or some creature that kills snakes?
Then I thought that it was because we need to face up to our sinfulness to be really healed. The people had to look at that serpent, and remember their weakness. This links so well with the second reading, (John 3:13-17) which was about Jesus having to be lifted up, and finishes with stating that God so loved the world that he sent his only son, not to condemn us but to save us.
Jesus died for us. Sin is deadly, but by facing our guilt, we are given life.
No comments:
Post a Comment