Look Up and Live

By Grace ObomanuApril 2, 20200 Comments

Just before my bedtime last night, John 3:14 dropped in my heart…

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,”
John 3:14 NKJVhttps://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.3.14.NKJV

I faintly remember the story of Moses, the Israelites, the stinging snakes and the snake-on-a-tree, from childhood. Having successfully overcome the strong urge to search for the reference scripture for that story last night and instead get some sleep, it didn’t escape my to-do list for today. So here we are…. Numbers 21:4-9…..

“The Israelites left Mount Hor and traveled on the road that goes to the Red Sea. They did this to go around the country of Edom. But the people became impatient. They began complaining against God and Moses. The people said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? We will die here in the desert! There is no bread and no water! And we hate this terrible food!” So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people. The snakes bit the people, and many of the Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We know that we sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord. Ask him to take away these snakes.” So Moses prayed for them. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. If anyone is bitten by a snake, that person should look at the bronze snake on the pole. Then that person will not die.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Then when a snake bit anyone, that person looked at the bronze snake on the pole and lived.”
Numbers 21:4‭-‬9 ERVhttps://bible.com/bible/406/num.21.4-9.ERV

I am growing steadily in my expression of patience as I live and walk in the Spirit…And I am thankful for it.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.“
Galatians 5:25 NKJV

But I cannot promise you that I can condone a lot of grumbling, ingratitude and insolence for a significant length of time from my children or anybody. No, I will not send them poisonous snakes, but neither will I let them hang around me for too long. They will dampen my spirit!

Well, going by Numbers 21, God must have thought, some stinging from snakes would help the Israelites put things in proper perspective. It did! Only it was too deadly a lesson for some.

Those who quickly connected the poisonous snakes to God’s anger immediately gained wisdom, and with Moses’ intervention, God sent a remedy….Look up and Live.

“Make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. If anyone is bitten by a snake, that person should look at the bronze snake on the pole. Then that person will not die.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Then when a snake bit anyone, that person looked at the bronze snake on the pole and lived.”

Speaking of His death and the salvation of mankind in John 3:14-15, Jesus Christ referenced Numbers 21:4-9..

“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 https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.3.14-15.NKJV

We can say that there is a correlation between the Israelites looking up to the serpent and recovering from the poisonous stings, as well as mankind looking up to Jesus (hung on the cross) and living. Even at that, there is a big difference between the 2 scenarios.

Looking up to Christ, is not just a guarantee of life, no, it is the assurance of eternal life. Halleluyah!

Some Christians misunderstand what eternal life really means. I was in same boat in the past. Eternal life is not ‘the life hereafter’, it is not ‘when we get to heaven’ it is not in the ‘bye and bye’. Eternal life is here and now, in us! Halleluyah!

Eternal life is ‘never ending life’. That’s what Christ came to give us and that is what we have.

“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”
I John 5:11 NKJV

Stinging poisonous snakes? Global viral pandemic? Eternal life is in us. Those who have it know it.

Would you choose to sleep and wait for the Resurrection morning (John 11:11), or would you rather stick around until your work is done? Eternal life is in us. We just keep our eyes on Christ, the source of this life.

And as many people that will in these trying times, look up to Christ hung on the cross, they will also receive eternal life immediately.

Look up and Live today.

Give your life to Jesus Christ.

Wherever you are right now, you can simply bow your head and say; ‘Lord Jesus, I confess that You are the Christ, I believe that You died for my sins and that God raised You from the dead. I receive You into my life today. I make You my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Father, I ask that You baptise me with the Holy Spirit now, in Jesus Christ name. Amen ❤

CONGRATULATIONS!

If you’ll like to be guided to make this decision to follow Jesus Christ, here is my email address…. graceobomanu@gmail.com

Stay Blessed and Love Always.

10 Likes

AboutGrace Obomanu

Grace obomanu is a Christian Blogger and Founder; 'Grace Obomanu Foundation'. Grace is an inspiring writer who intentionally projects the truth of God's word by sharing simple yet profound truths from the Bible. She writes with a revelational thrust, sharing wisdom, insights relatable to everyday living with particular emphasis on Victorious Christian Living. Her foundation, a non-profit trustee, continues to make impact, adding value to people's lives through outreaches, mentorship, bible teachings and counseling, partnerships. Grace has a diploma in Ministerial Training (with emphasis on Spiritual Leadership from Rhema Bible Training Center Nigeria. She trained as a medical doctor and has years of experience in Health Systems Management. She also holds a master's degree in Public Health from the University of Liverpool.

Christian Living

October 15, 2018

Problem Posting Comments on our blog

By Grace Obomanu

Christian Living

May 4, 2020

Rivers of Living Water

By Grace Obomanu

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Grace Obomanu

About Grace

GRACE OBOMANU is committed to seeing believers enjoy a closer relationship with the Father through a steady improvement in their knowledge of His Word. She passionately shares the gospel of Christ; teaching and counselling using different platforms- online, to groups and communities. She believes that every believer can live a life of perpetual victory through the right application of the message Faith which works through LOVE and Hope in Christ. Grace is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Centre Nigeria. She trained as a Medical Doctor and holds a master's degree in Public Health (Health Systems Management Track) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She fellowships and serves at The Carpenter's Church, Port Harcourt Nigeria.

Testimonials

“Dr. Grace is a seasoned and inspiring writer and positive blogger. I admire her style of expressing the truth in simple terms. She has consistently been a source of inspiration to many. I don’t know how she does it…balancing family, ministry and work, and being excellent on all fronts. I guess the answer is in her name…Grace!

I have also known her as a passionate public health physician. She is daring and resolute in making a public health impact. She is a go-getter yet courteous and emotionally intelligent.
Thus, I gladly and unreservedly give Grace a 5-star rating for striving for excellence in her service to humanity.

Dr. I. O
Port Harcourt, Nigeria”

My encounter with graceobomanu’s blog dates back to 2018. I remember the post centered on putting on the armour of God. Wow…you can’t help but notice her masterfully crafted blend of spiritual truth interspersed with humour, yet very simple and profound. I have followed her posts from then on. I see an intentional pattern of projecting the truth of God’s word consistent with the finished work of Christ, which has endeared me to her blog. This is the real deal if you are looking for a breath of fresh air!

Circa, 2018 I was drowning in so many crises ranging from marital to health, to financial to academic.

I was thrown into confusion, not knowing what more to do. Then an acquaintance introduced me to the Grace Obomanu Foundation (GOF).

From times of counselling to actual financial intervention, I began to gradually pick myself up.

At this point also, I had just started a Master’s programme and without even asking, the foundation sent me a mini laptop which actually came one month before my classes began. It was divine intervention.

I stand to acknowledge the great benefits that the foundation has brought into my life.

My appreciation is profound

My experience with Dr. Grace of TWGO has been quite fulfilling and nothing short of amazing. I found her by chance, or so I thought, after seeking someone neutral to discuss critical issues with. I made enquiries with several counsellors and TWGO were the first to respond. After an initial consultation I was booked in for the following day. I haven’t looked back since and have really benefited from my sessions. I now realise my coming across TWGO was not coincidental. They are word-based, non-judgmental and so empathetic. You leave the sessions feeling like you have really progressed and the advice is real and not fluffy talk. I would recommend TWGO to every and anyone wanting to find the tools required to move to the next level of their emotional journey and experience wholeness.

I have known Dr Grace Obomanu long before she started the Grace Obomanu blog. We attended the same church. We were not that close but i had an admiration for her composure. In 2016 i started reading her posts on fb and was very intrigued by the refreshing but simple ways in which she revealed truths in the scriptures. Her style of dealing with knotty topics without deviating from God’s word got me hooked. So it was a privilege and honor to be invited to be part of the The Word with Grace Obomanu Team. One major thing i learnt from her is to stick with the word in counselling and not your feelings or opinions. Sometimes she reasons with God”s word and her humility in succumbing to God’s word never ceases to amaze me. That has helped me in confronting and overcoming issues in my life and in counselling others…..no matter how knotty or trivial the issue are. Her ministry has helped my faith to be settled and grounded. All i can simply say is here is a woman who simply knows her Lord and His word and stakes her life on Him!

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Grace Obomanu for more than 15 years, and I cannot stress enough what an exceptional individual she is. Her true nature may not be immediately apparent until you have the opportunity to interact with her. I was particularly taken aback when she started blogging because it revealed a side of her that I had never seen before.

It brings me immense joy to provide this testimonial for her, as she exemplifies the qualities of being composed, diligent, and having an unwavering passion for God.

First and foremost, Dr. Grace is one of the most poised and tranquil individuals I have ever encountered. Regardless of the situation or circumstances, she always maintains a calm and collected demeanor. Her ability to stay composed, even in the face of challenges, is truly admirable. This tranquility enables her to approach problems and obstacles with a clear mind, making her an outstanding problem solver and an invaluable asset to any team or project.

Furthermore, she epitomizes diligence. She possesses an incredible work ethic and an unwavering drive to excel in everything she undertakes. I have personally witnessed her unwavering dedication and determination, and it is truly inspiring.

As she continues to pursue her unique purpose, I pray that God will continue to uphold her and multiply grace in her life. O. E. Port Harcourt. Nigeria.

ReplyForward

Contacts

Look Up and Live