Daily Readings - Thu Sep 14 2017
First Reading - Numbers 21.4-9 or Philippians 2.6-11
Numbers
4They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way;5they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"6Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.7The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.8The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."9So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Philippians
6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John
13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man.14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that, though separated by time, are deeply connected in their spiritual significance. The first reading from Numbers recounts the Israelites' arduous journey through the wilderness, marked by their frustration and impatience. Their complaints against God and Moses lead to a trial: fiery serpents are sent upon them, causing suffering and death. Yet, in their repentance, Moses intercedes, and God provides a symbol of salvation—a bronze serpent lifted high. Those who gaze upon it are healed, illustrating the power of faith and divine mercy.
The Gospel reading from John elevates this ancient story to a theological heights. Jesus draws a parallel between the bronze serpent and Himself, declaring that just as the serpent was lifted up, He too must be lifted up on the cross. This act of being lifted up is not merely a physical event but a spiritual one, offering eternal life to all who believe. John's passage underscores the depth of God's love, for He gave His only Son not to condemn the world but to save it. This love is not conditional but transformative, inviting all to embrace salvation through faith.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. Like the Israelites, we face trials and uncertainties, moments where doubt creeps in. Yet, in these moments, we are called to look up—to lift our eyes and hearts to Christ, who was lifted up for our salvation. The bronze serpent and the cross remind us that healing and redemption are found in gazing upon God's love incarnate. In our daily struggles, may we trust in God's plan, even when the path seems uncertain. Let us embrace the gift of faith, knowing that through belief in Christ, we are offered eternal life—a life transformed by love and grace.