Numbers 21: 4b-9; Philippians 2: 6-11; John 3: 13-17
We see here a God who desires to be our lover, but we see ourselves as too lowly for such a prize. It is much easier to believe in a jealous king who would smite his queen for any complaint. Was God really the author of the Israelites misery? Or was it just easier for the weary spouse to blame her more powerful partner for not wiping away the bumps of the journey? How could God get us to see the seriousness of his desire for our love? Only through Jesus, in whom we see a God of humility. A God who comes to us as only a true lover can do, opens his arms wide, and sacrifices himself for our sake. "For God so loved the world ..." How can anyone deny these words? God is asking to be your lover. What will your answer be?