Seven Miles From Jerusalem Vol. 2

In the first Seven Miles From Jerusalem we started digging into the scriptures looking at how Jesus is found in the Old Testament. The Passover shows us God’s providential protection and foreshadowed the atoning work accomplished by Jesus on the cross. This theme of provision and protection is found frequently and here are just few more examples.

Noah’s Ark: Genesis Chapter 6-9
There came a time when wickedness was great on the earth and God was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But God showed Grace to Noah and his family, instructing them to build an ark. The ark was a picture of Jesus. If Noah and his family stay inside the ark they are protected from the wrath of God being poured out on the earth. The New Testament is replete with statements about believers being ‘In Christ’. As we hold fast to Jesus we are in Him like being in the ark, safe and secure.                                                                                                                            
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36
 
Rahab the Harlot: Joshua Chapter 2 & Chapter 6
Before the Israelites conquered Jericho two spies were sent to survey the land. As the authorities were in pursuit they escaped with the help of a woman named Rahab. Because of her kindness they agreed to honor her request for protection from the upcoming invasion and destruction of her city. On the day that Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were kept safe as they followed the instructions to stay inside their home with a scarlet rope hanging from the window. Just as the scarlet blood of Jesus marks and sets us apart Rahab’s scarlet rope marked her family for protection. Rahab not only turned away from prostitution but became a faithful Israelite who is found in the genealogy of Jesus.

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9
 
The Bronze Serpent: Numbers Chapter 21
As the children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness they became discouraged and spoke against God and Moses. They complained about their condition since leaving Egypt. The Lord sent poisonous snakes among them and many people died. After they repented for their attitudes the Lord told Moses to make a bronze serpent on a pole. If anyone looked upon the bronze serpent, as Moses held it up, they would not be harmed. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus refers to this event and applies it to Himself… ‘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

Imagery of the bronze serpent on a pole is very prevalent in our society today. Most hospitals, firetrucks and ambulances have it displayed. In the same way the Israelites were to keep their eyes on the bronze serpent we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and what He did on the cross. He died for us, rose from the dead and grants everlasting life to all who believe. Opening the door to Heaven and providing a way to escape the torment of a place prepared for those who have rejected Him.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more!

Testimony