"The preaching of the cross is unto us which are saved the power of God." --- 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Oh that I might always lay hold on the cross, and experience its power, till I have obtained a complete victory! Whoever was bit by a fiery serpent, and looked upon the brazen serpent, lived. Numbers 21:9. Thus always to look upon Christ crucified is the one thing needful, from which all other blessings flow. John 3:14, 15.
Oh may the eyes of my faith be fixed immovably on thee, my crucified Saviour: for, as long as I live, I shall feel the biting of the old serpent, and, therefore, I have need to look unto thee continually; and thou, gracious Lord, afford me cure, day by day with entire healing at last.
So did the Hebrew prophet raise
The brazen serpent high;
The wounded felt immediate ease,
The camp forbore to die.
Look upward in the dying hour,
And live" the prophet cries;
But Christ performs a nobler cure
When faith lifts up her eyes.
High on the cross the Saviour hung,
High in the heavens he reigns;
Here sinners, by the old serpent stung,
Look and forget their pains.
When God's own Son is lifted up,
A dying world revives;
The Jew beholds the glorious hope,
The expiring Gentile lives.