The Son Or The Serpent?

Tuesday, April 7

John 3:14-15 (NIV)

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Devotion

Jesus became sin for us and took the curse of sin upon Himself on the cross. Many smile and nod at our yearly celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection, but go on acting as if they have not been changed, forgetting the warning from the Holy Spirit: “We should not test the Lord, as some of them did and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel” (1 Corinthians 10:9–10).

The serpent is crafty. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin by making them discontent with the food they were allowed in the garden. God cursed the serpent and the ground and told mankind that he would earn his bread by the sweat of his brow (Genesis 3). Likewise, the serpent tempted Israel to sin in the desert by leading them to speak against the manna God provided as their daily bread. God sent serpents among them, and many were killed until Moses prayed. Then God instructed him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole (Numbers 21:4–9). This was a type—a foreshadowing of Jesus becoming sin for us on the cross.

If we are still listening to the serpent’s whispers of discontentment, we are not truly looking to the Son and trusting Jesus for abundant life. What whispers of discontentment do you need to turn away from today? Look to Jesus and ask Him to show you the way out of this temptation so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Let us be thankful for the death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us be content with our daily bread and give thanks for every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to bear the curse of sin on our behalf. Forgive us for the times we have listened to the serpent’s whispers and allowed discontentment to take root in our hearts. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting fully in His finished work on the cross. Teach us to be grateful for Your daily provision and to stand firm against temptation through Your strength. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Create a “look to Jesus” moment. Set aside a few minutes today to intentionally reflect on the cross, what Jesus has done for you, and rest in Him. Let that moment realign your heart so you walk in contentment and trust throughout the day.

Resources
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