"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.” - John 3:14-15 NKJV

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in the book of Numbers, chapter 21.  One reason it’s a favorite is that Jesus refers to it.  Another is that the story provides context to the well-known verse John 3:16, an important verse to me, for by it I came to faith in Jesus Christ.  The event happened about 1452 BC.

Near the end of Israel’s 40-year wandering in the wilderness from Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the people of Israel became discouraged and spoke against God and Moses their leader.  For this God sent fiery serpents which bit the people, and many died.  They realized their sin and went to Moses to ask God to take away the serpents.  Numbers 21.

God instructs Moses to craft a likeness of this serpent and lift it up on a pole, and He says – He promises – that whoever is bitten, if that one looks at the image on the pole, he or she would live.  Scholars don’t know exactly what this animal was – something like a scorpion, or possibly a flying, stinging critter.  So Moses fashioned one out of bronze and put it on a pole.  When one looked at it, he lived.

A remarkable story.  How is it that looking at an image on a pole provides the remedy for a serpent’s deadly bite?

Now comes Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews, to Jesus.  He comes in the night, likely in Jerusalem, in about 30 AD.  They converse.  Jesus speaks about the Spirit of God, about being born of the Spirit, about Nicodemus himself.  And he speaks the words of John 3:14-15 quoted above:  as the serpent was lifted up, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Did Nicodemus figure that Jesus was this Son of Man?  What does Jesus mean that he will be lifted up, even that he must be lifted up.  And what is it to believe in this Son of Man and to have eternal life?   Nicodemus we can be sure was familiar with the Jewish scriptures: the Law, the psalms of David, the prophets such as Isaiah, Daniel.  Psalm 2, Psalm 110; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Isaiah 53; Daniel 7:13-14; these all would have helped Nicodemus to understand.

Whether with Jesus that night or later, we conclude Nicodemus did come to believe in Jesus, who often called himself the Son of Man.  For after the crucifixion of Jesus – when Jesus was lifted up on a wooden cross and suffered and died – Nicodemus, with a disciple of Jesus named Joseph, of Arimathea, a rich man, obtained the body of Jesus, prepared the body for burial and buried it in the garden tomb (John 19:38-42).

I imagine Nicodemus must have wept as he remembered his conversation with Jesus, now knowing of what Jesus spoke when He said the Son of Man must be lifted up, and having just witnessed the events which Isaiah foretold some 700 years before:

3 He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief….4 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities… 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.... 9 And they made His grave with the wicked--But with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.  Excerpts from Isaiah 53

Back to John 3, and the next verse is of course, John 3:16.

16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

Whereas the serpent was of inanimate bronze, lifted on a pole, for one incident of sin in the life of Israel, the Son of God is a living sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

God has made provision for you and me for our sins, in His Son crucified on the cross, and He has made a promise of life.  To believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God come in the flesh, saves you from perishing – from spiritual death, the penalty of one’s sin – and gives eternal life.

Have you looked to Jesus, lifted up for you? Will you trust Him for life eternal?

We sometimes have difficulty in admitting to themselves that we don’t have the strength or wisdom to protect ourselves or to accomplish a task. We don’t like to admit weakness.  We may resist running to God for divine protection and strength. We need to pray for humility always.

Psalm 118:8

"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." (Psalm 118:8, ESV)

• Psalm 118 is the middle chapter of the entire Bible.
• Psalm 117, before Psalm 118, is the shortest chapter in the Bible.
• Psalm 119, after Psalm 118, is the longest chapter in the Bible.
• The Bible has 594 chapters before Psalm 118 and 594 chapters after Psalm 118.
• If you add up all the chapters except Psalm 118, you get a total of 1188 chapters.
• 1188 or Psalm 118 verse 8 is the middle verse of the entire Bible.
• The Bible has 31,102 verses in total.
• The exact middle would be between the 15,551st and 15,552nd verses. Again, Psalm 118:8
• Should the central verse not have an important message?

Significance of Psalm 118:8 Being the Middle Verse

• It powerfully summarizes a core biblical truth: trusting in God is more secure than relying on human strength – including your own strength.
• Positioned at the center, it serves as a reminder of the centrality of God in the believer’s life.

The Hebrew construction uses a clear comparison: “better [is] refuge in the LORD than trust in man.”

The verse contrasts trusting in God (ḥasot b’YHWH) versus trusting in man (b’toaḥ b’adam). The word ḥasot (take refuge) implies seeking protection in times of distress, while bātaḥ (trust) suggests placing confidence in something. The verse teaches that it is better to rely on God’s protection than to put full confidence in human strength or wisdom.

• Trusting in God (ḥasot b’YHWH) is secure because God is faithful and unchanging. The verse emphasizes that true security comes from God alone. This reflects themes found in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” The use of YHWH (God’s personal covenant name) reminds Israel and us that their safety and future depend on God, not on alliances, kings, armies, presidents, country of citizenship, political party affiliation, wealth, our wisdom, etc.

• Trusting in man (self) (b’toaḥ b’adam) is risky because humans are limited, fallible, and unreliable. The contrast with adam (man) highlights human limitations. Unlike God, humans are weak, inconsistent, and prone to failure. Yet, men often struggle in this area of fully trusting God instead of ourselves.

Many New Testament passages reinforce the truth of Psalm 118:8—that placing confidence in God is wiser than depending on human strength, wisdom, or power. Jesus and the apostles repeatedly teach that true security and refuge come only from God.

1. Jesus teaches that trusting in God for provision is better than worrying about material needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

“Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2. This parable illustrates that relying on Christ’s words provides a firm foundation, unlike trusting in human wisdom.

Matthew 7:24-25

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

3. Jesus encourages His disciples to place their trust in Him rather than being anxious about their circumstances.

John 14:1

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

4. This verse echoes Psalm 118:8 by declaring that God’s authority is greater than human authority.

Acts 5:29

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

5. Paul explains that hardships teach believers to trust in God rather than in human strength.

2 Corinthians 1:9

“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

6. This verse directly supports Psalm 118:8’s theme of finding security in God rather than fearing human threats.

Hebrews 13:6

“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”

7. Encourages believers to trust in God’s care instead of carrying burdens alone.

1 Peter 5:7 (Phil 4:6 similar)

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Conclusion:

Psalm 118:8, when understood in Hebrew, teaches a profound truth: God is the only true and reliable refuge. Human strength and wisdom will fail, but God’s protection is eternal. This verse calls believers to place their ultimate trust in Him rather than in earthly sources of security, including themselves.

The country has spoken, and the transfer of power has been completed here in the US. The democratic process that was set in place by our founding fathers has yielded its current result.  As many people celebrate, many others are profoundly disappointed. But I want to remind you who know the Lord Jesus Christ, that "the LORD reigns"!
In 1 Chronicles 16: 31 we read, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

In Revelation 19:1 we read, "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,” After reading this, we might ask, "after what?" and realize that it is after the events of chapter 18 in which the kings and those in power on the earth have been demolished along with 'Babylon'. Then there is the voice of a great multitude, certainly much greater than the people of the United States, and which undoubtedly involves countless angels speaking with one heart and one voice in a manner that to the Apostle John described as "the sound of many waters and the sound of many thunderings". Here in Revelation 19:6 is what they said, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns."

The One who remains God from everlasting to everlasting, the One whose word is forever established, and which will never pass away despite the passing away of heaven and earth, the One who is the unchanging Alpha and Omega, is also the One who reigns now and will continue to reign forevermore. In this day and age when we hear a lot about 'change', it is the unchanging Lord who sets up the changes of our lives, families and nations. In Daniel 2: 21, He is the One who changes times and seasons, and He alone is the One who sets up kings and deposes them!

So, there will be presidents and rulers who will come and go, but remember,
"the Lord reigns"!

There will be policies and procedures that we will like or dislike, but remember,
"the Lord reigns"!

There will be people that trample on the Word and Purposes of God, but remember, "the Lord reigns"!

There are friends, loved ones, and neighbors that we desire to see come to the Lord but are stubbornly resistant, but remember,
"the Lord reigns"!

So how we see this working out practically?

First off, we will continue to uphold Biblical standards, for example, we will continue to fight for the unborn who are slaughtered. And it is possible there will be factions of our government that will test the soundness of our faith and godliness. We will also get into the spirit of the Lord's prayer, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". The desire of God is to see righteousness on earth even as it is in heaven currently it is thwarted by rebellious human beings under the sway of the world, the flesh and the devil as well as the evil “desires” of their own hearts. Yet we, the people of God, should always desire that which is Biblical and strive to maintain in any political climate the righteous standard and practices that God would be pleased with. Certainly, we will not compromise our standards but will continue to think and practice those things that are lovely.
This is what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4: 8-9, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." 

Secondly, we want to always uphold this and future governments and its presidents placing them in the Lord's hands, because we are exhorted to do so. 
Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 2: 1-4:

• First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. The exhortation, as you notice is not only restricted to good governments but to also the ones that deviate from God's righteous standards as well.
• We wait beloved for the coming of the Lord as we see in Revelation 19:11-16.
  "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him wascalled Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
  
  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."

Proverbs 15:25 tells us, “The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.” This verse captures the heart of God’s character: He opposes arrogance but defends the weak and humble. God is not impressed by wealth, power, or social status because everything anyone has is ultimately a gift from Him. As the Creator and Sustainer of all things, God owns it all—our possessions, abilities, and even our very lives are entrusted to us by His grace. Pride, then, is not only misplaced but an offense to the One who gives us everything.

The proud trust in their own strength, wisdom, and accomplishments, leaving no room for God. Pride blinds us to our need for Him, fostering a false sense of security. But God “tears down the house of the proud,” exposing the emptiness of their self-reliance. Arrogance erects barriers that block the flow of God’s grace and mercy into our lives.

In contrast, the widow represents vulnerability and dependence on God. She has no earthly resources to defend her boundary stones, but God becomes her protector. In ancient times, widows were among the most defenseless members of society, often left without legal protection. Their only source of help was someone’s favor and kindness. This reflects a deeper spiritual truth: God values a heart that is poor in spirit, one that acknowledges its need for Him. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”. If you look at the rest of the verses in the beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5:3 -11, you will notice that almost every verse reflects the blessings of the humble, the meek, the poor, the hurting, the helpless, and the persecuted. 

Being poor in spirit is not about material poverty but an attitude of humility, recognizing that we are utterly dependent on God for everything. It’s about surrendering our pride, confessing our weaknesses, and trusting His strength.

Regardless of wealth or status, God invites us to approach Him with humility. He despises pride but lavishes His favor on the humble. The secret to God’s blessing is a heart that says, “Lord, I need You.” Let us reject pride and cultivate a spirit of humility, for it is through this posture that we truly encounter God’s grace and protection.

“Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” — Psalms 78:41 (NKJV)

While God’s power is infinite, Scripture shows that our response can limit His work in our lives. In Psalm 78:41, the Israelites experienced this firsthand. Despite witnessing God’s mighty acts, their lack of trust and disobedience hindered His blessings. Jesus Himself did not perform many miracles in His hometown due to their unbelief (Matthew 13:58). What can we learn from this?

1. Lack of Full Trust

Trust is the foundation of our relationship with God. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart.” When we doubt His promises or fear the unknown, we build walls that block His intervention. Trust means surrendering control, even when life feels uncertain.

2. Not Acknowledging God in Our Ways

Proverbs 3:6 continues, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” When we exclude God from our decisions, we miss His divine guidance. Acknowledging God isn’t just a prayer before a big decision—it’s inviting Him into every aspect of life, seeking His wisdom daily.

3. Not Being Obedient to His Will

God’s blessings often follow obedience. The Israelites’ disobedience led them into the wilderness for 40 years. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s love, but it aligns us with His will. James 1:22 urges us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Are there areas where you’re resisting His direction?

4. Doubting and Questioning God’s Power

When we question God’s ability, we limit what He can accomplish through us. Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23). Faith activates God’s power, while doubt keeps us spiritually stagnant.

5. Relying on Worldly Means or Ourselves

Trusting in our own strength or worldly solutions shows misplaced faith. Jeremiah 17:5 warns, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.” True success comes when we lean on God’s provision, not our limited understanding.

Let’s choose faith over fear, obedience over resistance, and trust over doubt. Don’t limit the Holy One of Israel. Allow His power to work fully in your life by living in faith, surrender, and trust. His plans are far greater than we can imagine!

"The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its Source" - A.W. Tozer in The Knowledge of the Holy

Do you long for the unknown? Are you searching for answers, meaning or purpose? The answer says the Lord Jesus Christ is found only in Him. ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”’- John 14:6

The Father invites all to return to Him, “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” - John 3:16

Return to the Father, through Jesus Christ who is the Way. Repent of your sins and believe in the name of Jesus who gave his life for your sins and mine, and have life in his name, for “He was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification”- Romans 4:25

All roads do not lead to life, but this one certainly leads to life and abundant life

He is The Way; in Him we find meaning, peace, purpose, and everlasting life

It was not an unplanned turn of events

Nor was it by the plan of the Jews or the power of the Romans

But it was the plan of the ages as foretold by His prophets

And according to the Scriptures, Christ died for our sins 

About 700 years before the birth of Christ, God revealed vivid details of the suffering Messiah through his prophet Isaiah.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53: 5,6

Jesus did not die for his own sin, but he died for our sins. He is the only one who did not die for his own sin, for there was no sin in Him [See I John 3:5; I Peter 2:22]. He himself was righteous; He had done no violence nor was any deceit in his mouth, but our sins were laid on him, and he died for our sins. Our punishment was placed on him, and his righteousness was placed on us, as it is written, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” Romans 4:25

And God gives His righteousness to all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ [See Romans 3:22] . “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12

Christ died for your sin and mine according to the Scriptures. It was not an unplanned turn of events, nor was it the plan of the Jews or the Romans, but it was revealed centuries ahead by God, for His glory and that we may believe and have life in His name.

Do you believe?

James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill, California in 1848. Without social media, texting or E-mail, the California gold rush was off and running. From 1849 till 1869 California's population grew from 26,000 to 380,000. A few of the prospectors struck it rich, while many died as others returned home discouraged and broke with only a little pyrite, "fool's gold", to show for their efforts.

As believers we have available to us a mountain of "gold nuggets" waiting to be mined/mine. That mountain is known to us as First and Second Chronicles. Yes Chronicles, not Corinthians. Both are inspired writings, GOD breathed, Holy men of God wrote by His inspiration to be instructions and blessings even for us today. The books of Chronicles are neglected, at least in part, because of the long lists of difficult or unpronounceable names. Yet, as GOD'S inspired message to us, a prayerful and careful reading will reveal to us some of GOD'S gold nuggets of truth. In my study of these 65 chapters I have found at least "83 gold nuggets" and that is just the beginning. For all who are willing to become "prospectors" just dig, for the mountains of First and Second Chronicles are "Gold Laden".

I Chronicles 2:3 Er did evil in GOD'S sight and HE killed him. In I Chronicles 3:7 there was Achan who was responsible for the death of 36 soldiers and he was known as the troubler of Israel. Sin is serious and may His mercy be on any that dare to be the "troubler" in the home, the community and GOD forbid in the church that CHRIST loves and died to redeem.

In I Chronicles 4:9-10, the nugget is more positive. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, he called upon the GOD of Israel and he was granted what he requested. We do well to remember Paul's exhortation to Thessalonian believers, "Pray without ceasing".

In I Chronicles 10:13-14 we read of the pathetic end of Israel's first king, King Saul. Tragically it says of him that he did not keep the Word of the LORD and did not inquire of the LORD. He failed to pray and disobeyed the Word of the Lord. I Samuel 15 tells us more about Saul's lust, rebellion, lies and his blaming the people for his own sin, It is just another example of the fact that no sin stands alone.

I Chronicles 11:19 tells of King David's three mighty men. Their devotion to their king was so strong that it wasn't necessary for him to give them an order, just to hear of his desire for a fresh drink of the cool waters of the well in Bethlehem was enough to motivate them to satisfy their king. For believer's today, the words in Luke 9:23 should likewise stimulate our love as we seek to please our Savior.

An extremely large gold nugget is found in I Chronicles 16:7-43 as David gives thanks while the Ark is being placed in the tabernacle. His prayer language is certainly worthy of our consideration. For example: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord... call upon His Name... sing to Him... Glory in His Holy Name... and the rest of this nugget is left for you to dig for yourself.

Note: As I continue to dig, your help will be appreciated. Join me in prospecting and tell me of the gold nuggets you discover.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful, may push themselves, pull strings, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their success, of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others may succeed in making money, or may have legacies left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence on Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity, because He wants you to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He may let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and thus make your reward ten times greater then Jesus comes.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to be His love slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and bestow upon you many blessings which come only to those who are in the inner circle.

Settle it forever, then, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to use with others. Now when you are so possessed with the loving God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the entrance to Heaven.

G. D. Watson, in Living Words

"You are the CHRIST, the Son of the Living GOD". Following the resurrection of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, JESUS had another question for him, "Peter, do you love ME?"  His answer, "LORD, YOU know all things, YOU know I love You". Thomas, another disciple, also had an encounter with JESUS in John 20 when he saw the nail scarred hands of the risen SAVIOR and the raw torn flesh of His side. Thomas' cry tells it all, "My LORD and My GOD".

Many years later, by GOD'S grace I also had an encounter with this same JESUS. In the words of Peter and Thomas, "LORD YOU know all things, YOU know I love YOU.. my LORD and my GOD". To their words I am enclosing the words of Phil Kerr as they also express my conviction.

The Lover of My Soul - Phil Kerr

I've found a Savior, HE loves me so

   JESUS Who dies for me

Bears all my burdens, sorrows and woes

   Loving and kind is HE


Daily HE's with me, close by my side

   Whispering sweet words of peace

Deep in my soul, HE's there to abide

   His love will never cease.
   

Soon HE is coming back for HIS bride

   From that far golden shore.

In that bright city we shall abide

   With HIM forever more.


I'm in love, deeply in love with the lover of my soul. I will sing praise to my King while the years of eternity roll,
 
His love is in my heart, never to depart, HIS blood has made me whole, I'm in love with JESUS, HE'S the lover of my soul.

I'm in love with JESUS, HE is the lover of my soul. May your love and mine increase daily as we spend time in His presence remembering His love for each of us.