"Faith is powerful," said Harry's father. "You will remember that while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, after being led out of Egypt by Moses, fiery serpents came among them and bit many of them. Harry, will you please read what Moses did to help the people? You can find it in the Old Testament, the book of Numbers, chapter 21, verses 8-9."

"Family Home Evening?" thought Tommy. "This must be like having home Sunday School."

Harry turned to the verses and began to read:
Numbers 21:8-9

"Why didn't they just chop off their heads" Tommy said loudly, "instead of letting them bite everyone? That's what our gardeners would do. They would kill them."

"That's a good question," said Harry's father.

"Perhaps they didn't want to hurt the snakes," said Harry.

Tommy had never seen a poisonous snake before but didn't understand why they shouldn't all be killed.

"No!" said Tommy when Harry's father asked if he wanted to read the next scripture. He hadn't meant for it to sound so strong. "I never had to at home," he thought to himself, "why should I have to here?"

"I'll read," Harry said eagerly.

"Okay," said Harry's father. "Read 2 Nephi 25:20 from the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ:
2 Nephi 25:20 (Part 1)

Tommy wondered to himself, "Why should I ever learn to read when I can always have my servant read for me? Obviously Harry is so poor, he must do everything himself. I'll never be that poor!"

Harry continued his reading:
2 Nephi 25:20 (Part 2)

Harry's father thanked him for reading and then said: "So, the brass serpent represents Jesus Christ and as the brass serpent was nailed to the pole, so Jesus was nailed to the cross. Just as people then were healed by looking to the brass serpent, so people today can be healed by looking to Jesus Christ. How are we in need of healing today?"

Harry couldn't help thinking about how close he had come to being bitten by the rattlesnake. He felt a shiver run down his neck, spread out over each shoulder, and run halfway down his back. Then tried to think about his father's question, "How are we still in need of healing today?"

"When parents fight and want a divorce." said Tommy.

"I think you're right, Tommy," Harry's father responded.

"And when someone gets sick," said Harry.

"Yes, I think you're both right," said Harry's father. "Faith is still needed today. Now hurry and get ready for bed. Then we'll read our scriptures, write in our journals, and say our prayers so we'll be able to wake up early tomorrow."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Devotional

[  ]     Journal - Write in your Journal

[  ]     Scripture - Matthew 4:17-22

[  ]     Hymn - I Need Thee Every Hour

LDS Hymn # 98

[  ]     Prayer - To Heavenly Father

                       Prayer

Learning Activities