Sunday, August 24, 2025
Series: GROW
Numbers 21:4–9
Related Scriptures:
John 3:14–15; Romans 12:14; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:38; Romans 5:3–5; John 12:32
Scripture:
Numbers 21:4–5
As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they faced many dangers, often symbolized by the snakes that bit them due to their rebellion. In our lives, we face our own ‘snakes’—situations that cause us pain, disappointment, and fear. God’s solution was simple: look at the bronze serpent and live. This act of looking required faith and obedience.
What ‘snakes’ are you currently facing? Are you seeking a quick fix, or are you willing to look up in faith? Today, consider how God might be asking you to gaze at Him rather than your circumstances.
Reflection:
What ‘snakes’ are you facing right now, and how can you look to God for help?
Reflection Questions:
What challenges are causing you to feel overwhelmed?
How have you typically responded to difficult situations?
In what ways can you actively practice looking to God this week?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize the snakes in my life and teach me to look to You for healing and strength. Amen.
Scripture:
John 3:14–15
Jesus connects the bronze serpent to His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites had to look up to the serpent in faith to be healed, we must gaze upon Jesus, the One who was lifted up for our salvation. This gaze is more than a fleeting glance; it is a deep, abiding belief in who He is and what He has done for us.
Today, reflect on what it means to truly ‘gaze’ on Jesus. Where in your life do you need to move from mere acknowledgment of Him to a deeper belief that leads to obedience?
Reflection:
What does it mean for you to ‘gaze on Jesus’ this week?
Reflection Questions:
How often do you intentionally focus on Jesus throughout your day?
What distractions keep you from gazing at Him?
In what area of your life do you need to deepen your faith?
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to fix my gaze upon You, believing in Your power and love. Teach me to trust You more each day. Amen.
Scripture:
Numbers 21:6–9
Many Israelites perished because they refused to obey God's command to look at the bronze serpent. Obedience is crucial. It is not enough to believe; we must also act upon that belief. Consider how your own excuses may be preventing you from stepping into the blessings that obedience brings.
Reflect on God’s commands in your life. What is He calling you to do today in response to your faith?
Reflection:
What excuses are keeping you from obeying God's clear commands?
Reflection Questions:
What specific command do you feel God is asking you to obey?
How can you overcome the excuses you often make?
What blessings have you missed out on due to disobedience?
Prayer:
Father, help me to obey Your commands, even when it’s difficult. May my faith lead to action. Amen.
Scripture:
Romans 12:14
God's commands can seem strange to us: bless those who persecute you, love your enemies, and rejoice in suffering. Yet, these commands carry profound blessings. When we obey, we open ourselves to healing, peace, and hope.
Today, identify one of God’s ‘strange’ commands that you struggle with. How might embracing this command lead to transformation in your life?
Reflection:
Which of God’s strange commands is hardest for you to obey?
Reflection Questions:
What would happen if you chose to obey this command?
How can you prepare your heart to embrace God's ways?
In what ways has obedience led to unexpected blessings in your life?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to embrace Your strange commands with faith. Show me how obedience can lead to healing and transformation. Amen.
Scripture:
John 12:32
The cross, once an instrument of death, is now the symbol of our hope and new life. Jesus calls us to gaze upon Him, the One who was lifted up for our salvation. This week, as you reflect on the power of your gaze, remember that looking to Jesus brings life, healing, and eternal hope.
Spend time in prayer and meditation today, asking the Holy Spirit to help you focus your gaze on Jesus, the source of all that you need.
Reflection:
How can you make gazing at Jesus a daily practice in your life?
Reflection Questions:
What distractions hinder your focus on Jesus?
How can you incorporate moments of gazing at Jesus into your day?
What changes do you expect to see in your life as you focus on Him more?
Prayer:
Jesus, I choose to gaze upon You. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and trust in Your promises. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son and the power of a gaze fixed on Him. Help us to live out our faith through obedience and trust in Your strange yet wonderful ways. May we find healing and transformation as we seek You daily. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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