Nehushtan

2 Kings 18:4
“He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.”

God provided a tool to Moses so the children of Israel could survive after being bitten by fiery serpents. All they had to do was look at it, and receive healing. Now, these serpents were sent as a consequence to them because they complained against God and Moses for being in the wilderness, and about the manna God provided.

The serpent Moses was told to make was a mercy from God in light of their disobedience, because they repented and said they were sorry for speaking against the Lord. (This story is found in Numbers 21 if you want to read it for yourself.)

Over time, however, as the children of Israel were wont to do, they began to worship this tool instead of the God who provided it.

We may look at them and think “How could they do that! God showed them such mercy!”

Well, God provides tools for us, too. Bible software, apps, devotional books, internet resources, preachers and teachers, small groups…but we must be careful not to make idols out of these things or people.

Have you ever found yourself quoting a certain Bible teacher or preacher more than you quote scripture? Do you defend your favorite teacher or preacher, even when it comes to light that they’ve done something unbiblical or fallen into sin? 

See, these people and things certainly can help us along the way. But sometimes we get too dependent on physical tools at our disposal, and forget that all the knowledge we need God Himself has. And that He has given us His Spirit. These tools can sometimes hinder, rather than help, our relationship with God.

John 14:26
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Do you sometimes think you can’t grow without a devotional book of some kind? Or that you can’t study the Word without access to the internet? Or that you can’t learn from anyone but your favorite preacher or teacher?

If you are God’s child then you have the Holy Spirit inside you to lead you into all truth!

Israel forgot this, but God was the one who had healed them. It wasn’t anything the serpent on the pole did. There was no strength in that serpent by itself. And maybe sometimes we forget it is the Holy Spirit of God who teaches us, and that the preachers and teachers we listen to have no strength on their own, either. 

Tools are a convenience, but we must be careful not to make idols out of any thing or anyone.

Is there something in your life that you need to remind yourself is Nehushtan (something made of copper), and break it down so that you can see the work of God behind the tool?