What can we learn about God's mercy from the Israelites' plea in Numbers 21:7? The Setting in the Wilderness Numbers 21 finds Israel weary from travel, stung by a fresh bout of complaining. The Lord sends venomous serpents; many die. Into this crisis bursts verse 7: “Then the people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so that He will remove the serpents from us.’ And Moses interceded for the people.” The Israelites’ Plea • They confess: “We have sinned.” • They acknowledge God’s righteous judgment. • They appeal to a mediator—Moses—to pray for them. • Their request is specific: “Remove the serpents.” God’s Merciful Response • He listens to Moses’ intercession (v. 7b). • He provides a remedy— the bronze serpent lifted up (v. 8). • He preserves life: anyone who looks at the bronze serpent lives (v. 9). • He foreshadows the ultimate act of mercy: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14-15). What This Reveals About His Mercy 1. Mercy is triggered by honest confession – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” 2. Mercy comes through a mediator – 1 Timothy 2:5: “There is one God and one Mediator… Christ Jesus.” 3. Mercy does not cancel all consequences but supplies a saving cure – The serpents remain, yet life is offered; likewise, sin’s presence lingers, but salvation is freely given (Romans 6:23). 4. Mercy moves quickly – Psalm 86:5: “You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive.” 5. Mercy is rooted in God’s unchanging character – Exodus 34:6: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” 6. Mercy invites faith-filled obedience – Looking at the bronze serpent seemed foolish to human reasoning, yet it was God’s appointed way; salvation today requires simple, trusting faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Living in Light of Divine Mercy • Keep short accounts with God; confess sin promptly. • Rely on Christ’s ongoing mediation (Hebrews 7:25). • Expect God’s answers even when they differ from your preferred solution; He may give grace to endure rather than immediate removal. • Let His past mercies fuel present trust (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Extend the same mercy to others—freely forgiven people become forgiving people (Ephesians 4:32). |
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