Satan the serpent bites people, injecting the venom of bitterness, unforgiveness, revenge, malice, and many other poisonous ills. In His mercy, God has sent the perfect antidote to the effects of this venomous poison: one faith-filled look at Jesus, lifted up on the cross (Jn 3:14-15; 8:28) brings healing. "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that all who believe may have eternal life in Him" (Jn 3:14-15). But do we truly want to be healed if it means looking to Jesus for healing?
Jesus was lifted up from the earth upon the cross and died to free us from our sins. He came to heal us, not to condemn us (Jn 3:17). Sadly, many prefer to live in the poison of sin rather than turn to Jesus for healing (see Jn 3:19-20). Jesus warns that if we make such a choice, we will die in our sins (Jn 8:24).
It's as though people are filled with cancer, but prefer that painful death rather than humble themselves to admit that the venomous cancer of sin is a fatal problem. A doctor would say, "Your body is filled with cancer. You will die from your cancer." Doctor Jesus warns in His diagnosis, "You will surely die in your sins" (Jn 8:24). But we, in pride and denial, say, "We have no sin" (see 1 Jn 1:10; Jn 9:40). Thus many "refuse to come to [Jesus] to possess life" (Jn 5:40).
Repent! Turn to Jesus; look at Jesus crucified (Jn 8:28). Receive Him as your Healer and Lord.
PRAYER: | Jesus, I repent of thinking I know more about my life than You do. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You (Heb 12:2). |
PROMISE: | "When you lift up the Son of Man, you will come to realize that I AM." –Jn 8:28 |
PRAISE: | Charles took a leap of faith, began tithing, and soon found that his credit card debt began to dwindle. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College