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Why the Long Journey Around Edom?
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is the hand by which the sinner takes hold of the divine offers of
grace and mercy.
Many have clung to the idea that they could do something to
make themselves worthy. They have not looked away from self,
believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Savior. We must not think
that our own merits will save us. Christ is our only hope of salvation.
When we see our sinfulness, we should not fear that we have no
Savior or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very
time He is inviting us to come to Him and be saved.
Many of the Israelites saw no help in the remedy that Heaven
had appointed. They knew that without God’s help their own fate
was certain, but they continued to bemoan their sure death until
their eyes were glazed. They could have had instant healing. As we
look at our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield
to discouragement, but rely on the merits of a crucified and risen
Savior. Look and live. Jesus will save all who come to Him. Not
one who trusts in His merits will be lost.
Many wander in the mazes of philosophy in search of reasons
they will never find, while they reject the evidence that God has been
pleased to give. God gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith;
and if this evidence is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness.
If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and
question before they agreed to look, they would have died. It is our
duty to look, and the look of faith will give life.
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