9 "I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."
11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.' " 14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
OBSERVATION
Israel was quick to forget the Lord's provision of protection and deliverance. The amazing miracles and demonstrations of God's power were not enough to soften their hardened hearts. So at the first opportunity, the Israelites quickly turned away from God and made a golden calf to worship. God's anger was so strong that he decided to destroy everyone. But Moses here intercedes for the people in such persuasive way that God changed his mind.
APPLICATION
In my daily life I often forget quickly who I am and fall back into temptation and sin. Even though I don't walk away from God, I feel like I have disappointed Him. I'm sure that my sin grieves the Holy Spirit and angers the heart of my Heavenly Father. My only hope is in the current ministry of Jesus, interceding on my behalf before the throne of God, just like Moses did for Israel. Jesus is my High Priest, with direct access by the power of His blood, to redeem my life and secure forgiveness and mercy for my life. This is confirmed in the book of Hebrews...
5Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Hebrews 3:5-6.
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the ways I fall back into my sinful behaviors and satisfy my selfish nature rather than your will for my life. I have nothing to say on my behalf, but to trust by faith in the ministry of my Savior Jesus Christ, who is faithfully in your presence defending me from my accusers and hiding me by the power of His blood. You love me, regardless of my sinful choices. And even though I'm aware of the consequences that my disobedience brings, I can rest assure that my trust in Jesus will give me the victory as new trials and temptations come in the future. Please Holy Spirit, forgive me for grieving you and for resisting you. Restore unto me your anointing and continue guiding me, convicting me, strenghtening me when I'm weak. I need you more than ever before. In Jesus name! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment