"CHRONIC COMPLAINERS"

Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30

The Jewish people in the desert seem to have been chronic complainers. Know anybody like that? Today, as often before, we find the Jews complaining about the food. And the tab for all their meals was being taken care of by God — no cover charge, no tipping, no nothing. They sound like children who, no matter what mother fixes for them, turn up their noses and utter the usual music to the ears, “We are disgusted with this wretched food.”

We are told the Lord sent among the people Sarah serpents, which bit them, and many died. Ever been tempted to poison those who don’t like your cooking? I can’t imagine you doing that. Can’t imagine God coming up with this snake act either. But that’s the way the story goes. The important part, however, is the conclusion. The people were sorry. Who wouldn’t be with a bunch of snakes crawling all over them? So a way out of the snake pit was arranged. Moses was ordered, “Make a bronze serpent, mount it on a pole, and whenever anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover.” How strange!

No matter whether this story in every detail is actual fact or not, it is to teach us that we are infected by the poison of our own sins. Whether they are complaining sins or others, each sin carries with it the poison of eternal death - or life in hell, which is the same thing. But if with sorrow for our sins, we look with faith at Jesus raised on the cross, we will be saved. It is Jesus, along with our faith in him, that is the antibiotic we need for our spiritual ills - the only antibiotic there is. Take it!