What Say You?

You may recognize the description of the snake on a stick. This is almost identical to the Rod of Asclepius, which is often used (along with, erroneously, the caduceus) to symbolize medical organizations or people. Asclepius was the Greek god of healing, so it makes sense. It is quite interesting that the making of this staff, though instructed by God, would seem to be a violation of the commandment against idols (). Yet, as it was intended, it was to be a physical and symbolic reminder that it was their sin (speaking against God) that brought the curse of the snakes upon them and the grace of God by which they were healed.

Many of Daniel's visions are held up in the church today as applying to today. There are fundamental truths in Daniel's visions (and the visions of other prophets), but we all must be very cautious when trying to apply them to today. Daniel, himself, didn't know how to interpret his visions, so had to ask for assistance, in the middle of his vision. The vision was interpreting the vision.

You may recognize the description of the snake on a stick. This is almost identical to the Rod of Asclepius, which is often used (along with, erroneously, the caduceus) to symbolize medical organizations or people. Asclepius was the Greek god of healing, so it makes sense. It is quite interesting that the making of this staff, though instructed by God, would seem to be a violation of the commandment against idols (). Yet, as it was intended, it was to be a physical and symbolic reminder that it was their sin (speaking against God) that brought the curse of the snakes upon them and the grace of God by which they were healed.

We can readily tie the passage of Ephesians to this story. We (like the Israelites) lived life according to the flesh. We often allowed our desires and the world's influence guides our decisions. We may even have spoken against God. Yet, as Paul points out, God still held out the hand and gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Through the life of Jesus, and his sacrifice on the cross, we have the opportunity to accept a gift we could never make or work for on our own. By accepting the gift, we accept Christ as our way of life, and the Spirit of the Living God dwells in us.

reads, "Many shall be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked shall continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand." This as true as the day Daniel had the vision, as it is today. The words (vision) of Daniel were to be, "…secret and sealed until the time of the end." Daniel was told to, "…go your way, and rest…."

We can readily tie the passage of Ephesians to this story. We (like the Israelites) lived life according to the flesh. We often allowed our desires and the world's influence guide our decisions. We may even have spoken against God. Yet, as Paul points out, God still held out the hand and gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Through the life of Jesus, and his sacrifice on the cross, we have the opportunity to accept a gift we could never make or work for on our own. By accepting the gift, we accept Christ as our way of life, and the Spirit of the Living God dwells in us.

Paul provides much the same guidance, "…he has made known to us the mystery of his will…as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Jesus was explaining this to Nicodemus and brought into his explanation the story of the bronze snake, relating the lifting of the snake on a stick, to his own crucifixion. The crucifixion, just like the bronze snake was God's grace in action. The difference between the two was that one preserved life here on earth, and one gave life here on earth and life eternal.

Jesus was explaining this to Nicodemus, and brought into his explanation the story of the bronze snake, relating the lifting of the snake on a stick, to his own crucifixion. The crucifixion, just like the bronze snake were God's grace in action. The difference between the two, was that one preserved life here on earth, and one gave life here on earth and life eternal.

1) Are you too focus on the here and now to look for the eternal?

We yearn to know all the answers, and have a fixed understanding. We yearn know what will happen today and tomorrow. We want a safe and predictable life. We also want "the right" answers. The day-to-day is always full of pieces of chaos and unpredictability. Yet the assurance that it is all in God's hands, and that we can fully rely on him, should give us the ability to not be tossed about in our anxieties and questions.

2) Have you ever done something where God brought you back into focus on him in a way that was unpleasant or painful?

As the time was approaching for his final walk, Jesus, too, had questions and concerns. It is not wrong to wonder and be concerned. If we allow our lack of confidence in God to ground us, the winds and waves of the world will continue to overtake us.

2) Have you ever done something where God brought you back into focus on him in a way that was unpleasant or painful?

1) Do you ever let your concerns and/or worries overtake your confidence in God?

In many respects, we can see COVID as a plague. While it is not a same situation, there is a single similarity. We can look around and be consumed, or we can look to and and trust in God to be free. Which will you choose?

2) Have you ever tried to comfort someone by saying God has it all under control?

3) How did that work? Did it really bring comfort?