FRESH FOCUS ON THE CROSS
(First part)
Memory verse (John3: 14-15): “ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life ”.
Many of you have heard the story of children of Israel how they complained against God and his servant Moses (Num21: 1-9). Their behavior attracted God’s wrath and judgment. God sent serpents that destroyed many lives. When they cried to God and Moses for mercy, God told Moses to make a brazen serpent and lift it up so that whosoever is bitten by the snake when he lifts up his eyes and look at the serpent on the tree would be healed. Now, Jesus taught that the same way people looked to the serpent for healing and they were healed, so God lifted up his son on the cross i.e. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, and whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life. The whole new covenant is about Christ and Christ crucified.
The brass was not the one that healed the people; it was God who healed them because of their faith and obedience. Whoever lifted up his eyes and looked by faith onto the brazen serpent for healing, venom would be destroyed from their blood and they were healed.
Satan, the old serpent, the devil and the accuser of the brethren, has wounded so many, has smitten so many people and injected into their life a venom that brings death, diseases, broken heartedness, sin, oppression, confusion, hatred, unforgiveness etc. Multitudes are walking in darkness and death. Many are suffering because of what Satan has done in their lives, families, ministries, nations, tribes, marriages etc.
I bring the gospel to you, the good news; you will not have to die. From the day Jesus died on the cross, whoever is suffering, sick, dying, oppressed… if you lift up your eyes in faith and look on to Jesus crucified you will be set free, you will live and not die. Paul taught and said, that the cross is the power of God to us who are saved. The cross is not about the tree on which Christ was crucified; the cross is about Christ who was crucified on the cross. Your healing, your prosperity, your peace with God, you forgiveness, your healing, is in Christ crucified. Lift up your eyes and behold the lamb that was slain and you’ll be made whole.
Tomorrow’s subject: “ The power of God for the saints ”
