Text(s): Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-15
As you gather in your homes with family during this festive season, it is crucial not to lose sight of the true significance of the occasion. Christmas holds profound importance for Christians and non-Christians alike, serving as a commemoration of the arrival of hope in this world. Without the advent of Christmas, the world would have lingered in a state of despair, hopelessness, and helplessness. Some may overlook the importance of reflecting on the coming of the Savior, the deliverer of sin. However, Christmas serves as a poignant reminder that the Creator of the universe loves His creation to the extent of descending from His divine glory to provide salvation from sin.
The Old Testament vividly illustrates that salvation is unattainable without God’s divine intervention, prescribed methods, and guidance. When the Israelites transgressed against God, they faced severe consequences, poisonous snakes causing fatal bites to many. Acknowledging their sin, the people pleaded with Moses to remove the snakes. In response to God’s directive, Moses crafted a bronze replica of the snake, becoming a source of healing for all who gazed upon it. Those who did look upon the snake were healed and fully restored.
In many ways, one can draw a parallel between the affliction caused by the “snake” in this narrative and the universal condition of humanity. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory; all have turned away from Him. Yet, can we return to God on our terms, following our methods and directions? The unequivocal answer is no. God’s way is the sole path, His method the exclusive means, and His direction the only guide. To reject it is to reject God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love.
The biblical text echoes the imperative to “look to Christ and live.” Just as the bronze serpent was raised, so has the Son of God been lifted on the tree for all to gaze upon and find life. This is God’s method, God’s way, and God’s remedy. Will you turn your gaze to Christ? The Israelites who refused to look upon the raised serpent faced death. Similarly, rejecting Christ’s gaze means facing eternal punishment and perishing in one’s sins. Why choose death when the Son of God hangs on the cross, gasping for breath, longing for you to look upon Him and be saved?
This festive season serves as a poignant reminder that the Savior has come. It prompts reflection on the fact that God’s doors to eternal rest, peace, and liberation are wide open. It emphasizes that the pervasive ailment within all of us—sin—has a cure, and that cure is found in Christ alone. Look to Christ today, for tomorrow is uncertain. Today, your Savior hangs, gasping for breath, yearning for you to gaze upon His crown of thorns and live. He invites you to observe His pierced side and live. He implores you to witness His bleeding feet and hands. Look now, I say, look now and live. Do not reject Him for there is no other way except for you to look and live. Do not turn away from Him for He is your best and last hope. Oh, look to Christ today and live.
Michael Yaw Tano
Return To Christ 