If you’re counting, today marks the 25th day of the Great Lent season.

Reflecting on “Inevitability of the Cross,” the first lesson from the day’s lectionary came across as the most literal presentation of the theme.

In Num. 21:1-9, the Israelites are seen growing restless and impatient as they wander the desert to the point of ridiculing Moses for leading them out of Egypt “to die in the wilderness.” God responds in the form of poisonous snakes that plague the camp.

Once again, the theme of transformation finds its way into the lectionary. Not only does the acknowledgement of the snakes turn people back to God, but the snake itself becomes the sign that makes them well after putting it up on a pole.

Fast-forward to the time of Jesus — the cross  was now held the role of representing punishment and death. But after taking on the burden of our sin, Jesus transformed the cross into a symbol of salvation. Just as the Israelites were instructed to look up at the snake, we now look at the cross as a sign of hope and eternal life.

What other examples can you give suggesting “the inevitability of the cross?”