Numbers 14:19-20 “Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:”
Moses was eighty years old when the Lord directed him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. In spite of all their murmurings and complaining, he had done his job well. He brought them to Kadesh-Barnea and sent the twelve spies into the land to check it out. They came back, carrying samples of the fruit and declaring that it was a good land. But ten of them told stories of the giants they would face and convinced the people that they should not go in.
God was so displeased with the people, that He told them they would have to spend forty years in the wilderness, except for Caleb and Joshua and anyone under forty years old. When some of them changed their mind and tried to go over anyway, they were soon defeated.
Numbers 14:11-12 “And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.”
That is when Moses began to intercede in prayer, reminding the Lord that if He did this Egypt and all the nations would say that God was not able to bring the Israelites into the land and that was why He had destroyed them. He reminded the Lord of His longsuffering and mercy. And the Lord heard Moses’ prayer, and changed His decision, saying “I have pardoned according to thy word.”
What if Moses had not been willing to pour out his heart to God in earnest prayer? How different the rest of our Bible would read.
Is there someone that you have been praying for over a period of time, asking God to save them and it seems that they get farther from the Lord than ever? Do not give up, God hears every prayer. God is still long-suffering and merciful. He loves them more than we do. He sees the burden that we carry for them, We may think our prayers are not being answered, but He has promised that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man will prevail.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that as you heard the prayer of Moses interceding for the people, so you hear every request that we bring to you. Help us to be faithful and consistent in bringing our lost loved ones to you each day, knowing that You do all things well.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
1 Comment
Thank you for this encouragement!