DAILY?READINGS: Gen. 49; Psalms 28-29; Matt. 27:1-26
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. John 3:14
Today the Chinese celebrate their New Year—the year of the Serpent. Serpents do not have a good reputation in the Bible. One was used to introduce sin to the world. Later, when Israel rebelled against the Lord, fiery serpents came among them and many died (Num. 21:6). In response Moses made a serpent, and set it on a pole. Those who looked to it lived. In like fashion, Jesus was lifted up on a cross to die for our sins. Those who look to Him will live. —K. C. Ung
As the serpent raised by Moses, healed the burning serpent’s bite;
Jesus thus Himself discloses, to the wounded sinner’s sight:
Hear His gracious invitation, “I have life and peace to give,
I have wrought out full salvation, sinner, look to Me and live.”—J. Newton