How can we apply Moses' example of intercession in our prayer life? Setting the Scene “ So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn His wrath away from destroying them.” (Psalm 106:23) What Moses Actually Did - He “stood in the breach,” positioning himself between God’s righteous judgment and a rebellious people (Exodus 32:11–14). - He reminded God of His covenant promises (Exodus 32:13). - He pleaded for mercy on the basis of God’s own reputation among the nations (Numbers 14:13–16). - He was willing to bear loss himself for Israel’s sake, even offering to be blotted out of the book (Exodus 32:31–32). Core Principles We Can Imitate • Self-sacrificing love – Intercession puts the needs of others ahead of personal comfort (John 15:13; Philippians 2:4). • Bold, Scripture-anchored appeals – Moses quoted God’s own words; we pray promises such as 1 John 1:9 or 2 Peter 3:9. • Standing in the gap when others cannot or will not – Ezekiel 22:30 shows God still looks for gap-standers. • Urgency and persistence – Moses persisted forty days and nights (Deuteronomy 9:18–19); we are urged to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Alignment with God’s character – Appeals grounded in His mercy, faithfulness, and glory (Psalm 106:8; Lamentations 3:22–23). Practical Ways to “Stand in the Breach” Today 1. Identify the breach • Ask the Spirit to reveal where families, churches, or nations have drifted from God’s standards. 2. Bring God’s Word into your prayers • Personalize passages like Ezekiel 36:24–28 or 1 Timothy 2:3–4. 3. Pray specifically for mercy over judgment • Name individuals or groups, seeking repentance and restoration (James 5:16–20). 4. Persist until peace comes • Keep a journal; revisit requests until either answers arrive or God redirects you (Luke 18:1–8). 5. Accept personal cost • Fasting, lost sleep, and emotional burden may accompany genuine intercession (Nehemiah 1:4; Colossians 4:12). 6. Depend on Christ’s ongoing intercession • Remember, “He always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25); our prayers join His. Encouragement for Faithful Intercessors - God still honors those who step forward as Moses did, averting judgment and welcoming revival. - Even small, hidden prayers influence history because “the prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). Let Moses’ example motivate you to stand confidently and compassionately in the breach, trusting the unchanging promises of a faithful God. |
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