Finding Hope Amid The Fiery Serpents: A Call For Faith And Strength In Troubled Times
In times of hardship, when the world seems to turn against us and affliction strikes like fiery serpents, we must remember that our help comes from the Lord. Today, many Jews in positions of leadership, influence, and government find themselves facing immense trials, unjust scrutiny, and even betrayal. Yet, the Scriptures remind us that such moments are not the end of our story—they are a call to return to faith, courage, and divine restoration.
The Fiery Serpents of Trial
In Numbers 21:6-9, the people of Israel experienced a great plague of fiery serpents as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith. They suffered and feared for their lives, but when they turned to Moses and repented, God provided a way of healing. He instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent, and those who looked upon it in faith were restored.
This passage teaches us that when we are under attack—whether from unjust rulers, political persecution, or social rejection—we must not despair. Instead, we must lift our eyes toward God, who alone is our salvation.
The Righteous Will Stand Firm
King David, a leader who also faced betrayal and opposition, declared:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
Though the world may conspire against us, we must not fear. The trials we face today are not the end of our people, nor of God’s justice. He is still our Redeemer, our Rock, and our Deliverer.
Looking to the One Who Heals
Just as the Israelites were called to look upon the bronze serpent for healing, we too are called to look upon God for deliverance. Isaiah reminds us:
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)
Even when we are slandered, persecuted, or falsely accused, God’s justice will prevail. Our righteousness is not defined by human opinion but by the covenant of the Almighty.
A Time for Repentance and Renewal
It is also a time for deep reflection. When Israel faced judgment, they humbled themselves and cried out for mercy. As we face opposition today, we must ask: Have we drifted from our purpose? Have we placed too much trust in human power rather than in God? Now is the time to return to Him with all our hearts:
"Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:7)
Let this be a season of renewal, where we strengthen our faith, stand firm in truth, and seek God’s wisdom to navigate these troubled waters.
God Will Restore His People
Despite the challenges we face, we must hold onto God’s promises:
"For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
This is not the end of our story. Just as the Israelites were healed in the wilderness, just as David was restored to his throne, and just as the righteous have always prevailed through faith, so too will God lift up His people once more.
Let us take heart. Let us stand strong. And let us fix our eyes not on the fiery serpents of the world, but on the eternal hope of our God.
Chazak ve’ematz! (Be strong and courageous!)
