“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 parish but have eternal life.”

John 3:14-15

Thirty-nine years ago, when my daughter, Jane was 8 years old, she had to learn the above verse for her Sunday School Christmas program. I was helping her memorize this verse and during the process memorized it myself.  Jane asked me to explain what this verse meant. She was intrigued with Moses lifting a snake, as an 8-year-old child, that was what was important to her. I then realized how important it was to understand what Bible verses mean and not just memorize them.  I explained to Jane that Jesus was teaching Nicodemus, who was a teacher, about eternal life.  Our discussion turned to the Easter story and how Jesus was crucified but rose from the dead.  I explained how Jesus was concerned that even though Nicodemus lived during this time and knew Jesus, he still struggled with faith and understanding eternal life in Heaven. I found myself telling Jane about the importance of faith and how our faith in Jesus promises eternal life in Heaven.

Jane and I can still recite the above verse from memory and we both realize how that discussion helped us throughout our lives.  We still talk about that verse and find it very reassuring when we are troubled and struggling.  Such a small part of our lives but such an important one as it continues to bring us God’s peace.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to bring my daughter closer to you.  I pray that this verse will continue to bring us Your peace during life’s struggles.  Amen.

Meg O’Brien