Let’s consider now the foundations Moses built on as he interceded for Israel.
·
The Character of God.
In Num. 14:17-19
Moses leaned on the “Name of God” revealed in Ex. 34:6-7. Num. 14:18 quotes most of what God told Moses
about Himself in Exodus. God’s longsuffering,
abundant mercy and forgiveness fits perfectly with both situations. And then Moses quotes a good portion of Ex.
34:7 regarding the fact that God does not clear the guilty. Why would Moses include this aspect of God’s
character? Because Moses understands
that God both forgives and punishes sin.
This was evident in both situations.
After destroying the golden calf there were many Israelites who were
killed in judgment. The same can be said
of Kadesh Barnea, in addition to the extra years of wandering in the
desert. In both cases there were
consequences, but in both cases God continued His love for Israel. This “mix” of forgiveness and holiness also
brings Christ, the Savior, into the picture.
Ultimately all sin is judged. God’s
forgiveness cost the shed blood of His Son.
·
The Reputation of God.
In both prayers
Moses reminded God of the great and powerful way He delivered Israel from
Egypt. If He were to not see Israel
through to their entrance to the land the Egyptians would ridicule the LORD. “He brought them out but could not bring them
in.” Moses makes this about God, not
about him or even the people. That is
such a critical issue in intercession.
Notice how God has the same priority in Num. 14:20-21. God forgave (Heb. nasa, to lift or
carry; the one who forgives carries the burden created by the sinner) Israel
and He pardoned (Heb. salah, to take the punishment, cancel the debt)
Israel, but in order to maintain His glory in all the earth God delayed the
entrance into the land for another 38 years, until those who refused to go in
had all died. In Ex. 32:11 Moses asked
God why His anger burned against those He had brought out of Egypt “with great
power and with a mighty hand?” God could
have answered: “Because they disobeyed the first two commandments I gave them.” But instead He was moved by His desire that
all should know Him, even the Egyptians.
·
The Word of God.
Lastly, Moses
brought to God’s attention to the promises He had made. Remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel
(Ex. 32:13). From the beginning God
Himself had stressed His faithfulness to keep the promise to the Fathers (Ex. 6:8). Moses was just repeating the same argument to
the LORD. We need to take the time to
search the word of God to find those things that are encouragements as we pray
for others. Nothing is more powerful
than to pray God’s words back to Him!
God looked for one to intercede for Israel in the days of Ezekiel and
found none (Ezek. 22:30-31). He calls us
to intercede (e.g. 1 Tim. 3:1ff). Will we
be found faithful?
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