Sin, Snakes and Substitution
Numbers 21:4-9
1. Setting
• preceded by reversal of outcomes at Hormah (14:39-45 and 21:1-3)
2. Depth of Sin 4-5
• people become impatient on the way
• fault-finding recital resumes
• loathing the LORD’S provision
• fault-finding recital resumes
• loathing the LORD’S provision
3. Adversity as an Asset 6-7
• blowing away the haze of triviality
• the LORD’S deployment of lethal snakes
• snakes bite, many people die, the people confess their sin
• the assaulted leader as an effective intercessor
• the LORD’S deployment of lethal snakes
• snakes bite, many people die, the people confess their sin
• the assaulted leader as an effective intercessor
4. Case of Conspicuous Mercy 8-9
• significance of a snake on a pole: look and live (isa. 45:22)
• unique and totally undeserved provision
• indicators of the LORD’S mercy, power and wisdom
• widely available and immediately effective
• unique and totally undeserved provision
• indicators of the LORD’S mercy, power and wisdom
• widely available and immediately effective
5. So What?
• Because undeserving rebels may receive salvation based on the LORD’S miraculous mercy, look to Jesus and live.
• distinct connection to Christ and the NT: John 3:14-15
• Stop itemizing grievances and start counting blessings!
• this narrative: a stunning rebuke to the doctrine of self-salvation
• “His word shall not fail you He promised…” (H. Lemmel “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”)
• distinct connection to Christ and the NT: John 3:14-15
• Stop itemizing grievances and start counting blessings!
• this narrative: a stunning rebuke to the doctrine of self-salvation
• “His word shall not fail you He promised…” (H. Lemmel “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”)