Intercession!

Rather than in faith following God into the promised land, the people rebelled and grumbled against Moses. ( Numbers 14:2) Their eyes and desire focused back toward Egypt and the nation was ready to choose a new leader to lead them back there. ( Numbers 14:4) God stated His readiness to strike the people with a pestilence, disinherit them as His people, and make Moses into a nation even greater and mightier than these. ( Numbers 14:11-12) Had Moses had enough of their complaining? What a relief it would have been to have had that burden lifted from him. However, once again the humble and meek character of Moses shown forth as he interceded on behalf of the people.

Reading through Numbers 14:13-19, Moses' intercession was not based on what the people deserved. The basis of Moses' pleading was the glory and reputation of God, as well as God's merciful character. Though there were consequences suffered for not having trusted God's ability to give them the land, God did pardon the people and declare that His glory would fill the earth. ( Numbers 14:20-23)

In reading this again, I was struck by the thought: where would Israel have been without the intercession of Moses? Other than for Caleb and Joshua ( Numbers 14:30), would that have been it for them right then and there? And how about for us? Where would we be without the intercession of JESUS ON OUR BEHALF? Has God not also been merciful and patient toward us?

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome, he encouraged. . .
"(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (33) Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is to condemn? CHRIST JESUS is the one who died -- more than that, who was raised -- who is AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, who indeed IS INTERCEDING FOR US." ( Romans 8:31-34 ESV)

JESUS CHRIST -- our great and eternal High Priest -- unlike those under the old law always lives to intercede for us, and is therefore able to save completely! ( Hebrews 7:23-25) Praise God for that merciful provision IN CHRIST. May we not take that blessing for granted as we continue to follow on in faith toward the eternal hope He came to provide and the eternal dwelling He has gone to prepare.

Have a great day PRAISING GOD FOR OUR ETERNAL HOPE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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