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What are you most afraid of? Take a moment to ponder this question. For many, the answer might vary depending on circumstances or even mood. Interestingly, a poll found that 36% of US adults shared a common fear: snakes. This fear, scientifically known as ophidiophobia, affects one-fifth of men and nearly half of women.

Our fears, like snakes, can often appear unexpectedly in life's journey, catching us off guard and leaving us feeling vulnerable. This scenario mirrors an ancient story from the book of Numbers in the Bible, where the Israelites, years into their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, encountered a terrifying ordeal involving venomous serpents.

To truly appreciate this narrative, we must consider its context. The Israelites had just experienced a God-given victory against the Canaanites, even nicknaming the battleground "Destructiville." However, as any parent knows, a child's gratitude one day doesn't guarantee good behavior the next. Similarly, the Israelites' appreciation quickly turned to complaint.

Fatigue and impatience set in as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. Their memories of Egypt became increasingly idealized, forgetting the harsh realities of slavery. They began to romanticize "the good old days," focusing on their current limited resources and the risks they faced in the desert.

This unhappy situation led to quarreling. The people spoke against God and Moses, accusing them of infidelity and poor leadership. For a covenant people like Israel, speaking against God was akin to speaking against their own oxygen. It was like sawing off the branch they were sitting on – a self-destructive act.

In this tense atmosphere, venomous snakes appeared among the people, biting and causing deaths. Suddenly, the same Moses who was their punching bag became their savior. They begged him to intercede with God on their behalf.

This cycle of grace, sin, and judgment is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. It's a pattern we might recognize in our own lives: loving God, messing up, feeling judged, and then starting over. It's a humbling reminder of our human frailty and constant need for divine grace.

The appearance of these snakes mirrors life's unpredictability. Hardships and difficulties often arise unexpectedly, just like those serpents. Katie Bowler, a professor of theology at Duke University, captures this reality in her memoir "Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved." Diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at 35, Bowler found herself frustrated with those trying to "Easter the crap out of my Lent."

This poignant phrase reminds us that we can't always rush past the hard parts of life. The season of Lent, starting with the placement of ashes and the reminder "remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," encourages us to confront our mortality and reprioritize our lives.

The biblical narrative invites us to name the "snakes" in our lives – the things that scare us, harm our bodies, or damage our relationships. What bites us and leaves a lasting sting? It could be personal struggles, societal issues, or global challenges. The important thing is to recognize and name these "snakes."

However, naming our fears is just the beginning. We must move beyond lament and ask ourselves how we can stand with those who are suffering. Our experiences in life's wilderness remind us that existence isn't solely about ourselves. How do we respond when we see others in pain? Should we seek help for them?

The Israelites, despite their complaints and doubts, continued to turn to God and each other. They brought their pain and fears, seeking assistance from the divine and then reaching out to one another with the help they received. In response, God remained present with them.

Interestingly, God didn't remove the snakes. Instead, God provided healing and protection amidst the danger. This teaches us an important lesson: sometimes, we expect God to do too much. Perhaps we are meant to be the ones removing the "snakes" poisoning those around us, or maybe someone needs to remove the "snakes" surrounding us.

God's instruction to Moses to place a bronze serpent on a pole for the people to look at and be healed is particularly profound. It suggests that healing can come precisely where the sting is worst. By looking at what was causing their pain, the Israelites found help and healing.

This passage reveals something about God's character and the nature of peace. The Hebrew word "shalom" doesn't just mean the absence of trouble. It speaks of having peace right in the middle of turmoil – with all the "snakes" nipping at us. Even in our worst failures and disappointments, God provides, and we can offer others protection from their "snakes," healing for their wounds, relationships for their loneliness, and faithfulness for their faithlessness.

Sometimes, the source of our suffering isn't removed. But God accompanies us on our journey, providing what we most deeply need if we look in the right direction. The staff that Moses lifted up became a focal point and symbol for the Israelites to follow. Although it later became an idol and was destroyed, its original purpose was to demonstrate God's transformative power in the midst of challenges.

As we navigate life's challenges, we're called to be bearers of "shalom" – bringing peace and hope to those surrounded by venomous "snakes." We can use our gifts and talents to help others, offering words of encouragement and acts of kindness.

In the end, our fears and struggles, like those ancient snakes, can become opportunities for growth, healing, and deeper connection with both the divine and our fellow humans. By facing our "snakes" and helping others face theirs, we participate in bringing God's peace into a world that desperately needs it.