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Numbers 21:4-9

The Message

The Snake of Fiery Copper

^4-5 They set out from Mount Hor along the Red Sea Road, a detour around the land of Edom. The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. They spoke out against God and Moses: "Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water—we can't stomach this stuff any longer." ^6-7 So God sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit them and many in Israel died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke out against God and you. Pray to God; ask him to take these snakes from us."
   Moses prayed for the people.
 ⁸ God said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it on a flagpole: Whoever is bitten and looks at it will live."
 ⁹ So Moses made a snake of fiery copper and put it on top of a flagpole. Anyone bitten by a snake who then looked at the copper snake lived.

For Reflection 

What symbols in your world remind you of the promise of God's protection?  How often do you turn to it to remind you of the good life found in the hollow of God's hand? 

Pray

Praise God for his strength and protection.   Pray that God will protect you when doubting His wisdom.  Pray that you will have confidence in God's promise even in the face of hardship.