Look at It

Then the Lord told Moses, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” – Numbers 21:8 (NLT) 

The movement to ban books in our schools is real. Books that tell the inhumane brutality of American slavery and its ongoing impact in American life. Books that acknowledge the different formations of family that love and nurture children. Books that depict the rape and exploitation of Native Americans. Books which inform us that, given our addiction to fossil fuels, we are not exercising proper stewardship over our planet. 

These books relay information that indicts some American heroes, and they offer unpleasant but verifiable critiques of many hallowed American institutions. They give facts that challenge our complacency with the status quo, and they let us know in no uncertain terms that the American experiment in democracy is far from complete. 

Among the reasons given for the ban policies: These books are too stressful for the minds of young students. These books portray America in a completely negative light. These books are written and promoted by people and campaigns that actually hate America. 

God was greatly displeased when the ancient Israelites turned against their leader Moses for leading them out from the bondage of their familiarity into the promises and challenges of freedom. In punishment for their rank ingratitude and brazen unfaithfulness, God sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. 

When Moses interceded for the Israelites’ deliverance from the snake bites, God instructed him that only those who looked at a replica of a poisonous snake attached to a pole would be healed. The full view of what was killing them had to have been disturbing. But according to the divine directive, it was absolutely necessary for their healing. 

Prayer
Lord, help us to not let the failure to face our past cause us to forfeit a better future. Amen.

About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.