The Old Testament lesson this morning is about a serpent on a stick, whatever that is. In fact, it is called a "fiery serpent." This strange passage from the Book of Numbers records an incident in the Exodus, that trek of the Hebrews across the Sinai Desert, out of slavery in Egypt to freedom and a new life in the Promised Land.

This passage is known as a "murmuring" passage. There are several of them in the books that describe the Exodus. Murmuring, as in grumbling and complaining, which was constant on this trip. Poor old Moses, the tour leader, had to listen to all of this.

On this occasion they are complaining about the food. God had provided "manna" for them. No one knows what manna was, except that it was provided for them every morning, enough manna to meet their needs for that da…