What other biblical instances show God's mercy in response to intercession? Abraham’s bold bargaining—Genesis 18:31 “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—suppose twenty are found there?” Sodom still fell, yet the scene establishes a pattern: God listens when a righteous person pleads. Moses stands in the breach—Exodus 32:11-14 • Israel worships the golden calf. • Moses reminds God of His promises and appeals to His reputation. • “So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people.” (v. 14) Moses pleads again—Numbers 14:17-20 • The spies’ bad report brings a death sentence on the nation. • Moses asks that God’s “power be magnified.” • “I have pardoned them as you requested.” (v. 20) Samuel cries out—1 Samuel 7:9-10 • While Israel gathers at Mizpah, the Philistines advance. • “Samuel cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.” (v. 9) • God’s thunder routs the enemy. David stops the plague—2 Samuel 24:17-25 • David owns his sin of numbering the troops. • He builds an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor. • “The LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was halted.” (v. 25) Hezekiah’s tears and added years—2 Kings 20:1-6 • Terminal illness is announced. • Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays. • God replies, “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.” (v. 5) Job prays for his friends—Job 42:8-10 • God directs the three friends to seek Job’s intercession. • “My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer.” (v. 8) • After the prayer, “the LORD restored his prosperity.” Daniel confesses for the exiles—Daniel 9:17-23 • Daniel appeals to God’s mercy, not Israel’s merit. • Gabriel arrives “at the beginning of your supplications” (v. 23), bringing the answer. Jonah and Nineveh—Jonah 3:8-10 • The king orders city-wide fasting and prayer. • “When God saw their deeds…He relented from the disaster He had threatened.” (v. 10) The praying church and Peter—Acts 12:5-11 • “Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.” (v. 5) • An angel opens the iron gate; Peter walks free. Our greater Intercessor—Hebrews 7:25 • “He always lives to intercede for them.” • Every earlier story points forward to Christ, whose ongoing plea secures eternal mercy for all who come to God through Him. Takeaway—Mercy flows where intercession rises The consistent testimony of Scripture: God listens, relents, heals, and saves when someone stands in the gap. These accounts invite confident, persistent intercession today, resting on the unchanging character revealed from Genesis through Revelation. |
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