PROGRESS X

As in the wilderness at first
The people murmur about thirst
With blasphemous complaints.
For life you must not only think
Of blessings, but must daily drink
What God provides His saints.

Israel's blessing would ensue
From God when Moses speaks unto
The rock before their eyes;
Speak to the One following the flock
And you have water from the Rock
In bountiful supplies.

Dishonouring Jehovah's name
Moses was tinged with lasting blame
And failed to reach the land;
Jesus alone is fit to lead
As true to God in every deed,
As Christians understand.

Then the impatient people said
That their souls hated the "light bread"
Jehovah's goodness gave.
We find our hearts can be enticed
Through flesh to disregard the Christ
Who gave Himself to save.

But what the pains they underwent
From fiery serpents which God sent!
And many people died.
For still there operates within
The working of the power of sin
Which must be mortified.

Moses is told by God to make,
And set upon a pole, a snake
And all who look will live;
Faith apprehends that it is in
His Son that God condemns our sin
Which He cannot forgive.

Now are effectual journeying days
For those who've held within their gaze
The serpent on the pole;
As Christ is fixed before your sight,
Christian, you travel towards the light,
Since He has made you whole.