How can we apply Moses' example of intercession in our prayer life today? Setting the Scene: Moses Stands in the Gap Numbers 14 opens with Israel on the verge of turning back to Egypt after hearing the spies’ fearful report. God’s righteous anger burns, yet Moses immediately steps forward. Verse 19 captures his plea: “Please pardon the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them from Egypt until now”. What We Learn About Intercession from Moses • He appeals to God’s character—“the greatness of Your loving devotion.” • He acknowledges the people’s real sin—“the iniquity of this people.” • He remembers God’s past mercy—“just as You have forgiven them from Egypt until now.” • He seeks corporate forgiveness, not personal comfort. • He puts himself between God’s justice and the people’s guilt (cf. Psalm 106:23). Key Principles to Transfer into Our Prayer Life 1. Pray on the basis of who God is. – Exodus 34:6‐7 describes His “compassionate and gracious” nature; Moses echoes that here. 2. Be honest about sin. – Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9 show confession precedes cleansing. 3. Recall God’s faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:21‐23; remembering fuels faith. 4. Stand in solidarity with others. – Nehemiah 1:6‐7; Daniel 9:4‐19 both include the intercessor among the guilty. 5. Pursue God’s glory above all. – Numbers 14:13‐16 shows Moses concerned that the nations not misjudge God. Practical Steps for Praying Like Moses Today • Start with praise: rehearse God’s attributes (Psalm 145). • Name the need honestly: “Lord, our church/family/nation has sinned by ____.” • Cite His past mercies: “You carried us through ____; do it again.” • Ask for pardon and restoration, not mere relief. • Persist—Exodus 32:11‐14 and Deuteronomy 9:18 highlight Moses’ prolonged intercession. • Keep Scripture open; let God’s own words shape the request (John 15:7). New-Covenant Encouragement • Jesus is the greater Intercessor—Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25. • We are invited to join Him—Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1. • The Spirit helps when words fail—Romans 8:26-27. • Our prayers, like Moses’, can turn the tide—James 5:16. Taking It to Heart Moses shows that one person, confident in God’s character and committed to His glory, can make a nation-sized difference. By grounding our prayers in who God is, admitting sin, remembering His past acts, and pleading for others, we follow a pattern God still honors today. |
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