Numbers 21: Learning to Repent

"The people then came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you.  Intercede with the Lord so that He will take the snakes away from us.'  And Moses interceded for the people."

Numbers 21:7

This is the first time the Israelites have recognized and confessed their sins, asking for intercession.  They spoke out against the Lord and Moses for the same reasons they've done so many times in the past: they're tired of the same old manna, tired of living in the wilderness without bread or water.  The Lord sent poisonous snakes into their camps because of these complaints, and the people finally recognized their mistakes.

Moses intercedes, and the Lord has mercy on His people.  He provides the bitten Israelites with a way to cleanse themselves from the poison, if they only have the faith to look where He tells them to.

Question of the Day:

What sins have you been locked into that you fail to recognize and confess?  What will happen to you if you do not confess and repent?

Prayer of the Day:

Father, forgive me, for I have sinned.  Guide me back to You, and lead me away from temptation.  Give me the faith to go where You tell me.  Rescue me from my iniquities.  Amen.