24
Intercessory Intervention
Rod Shimabukuro[20]Then the LORD said, “I have pardoned, according to your word. [21]But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, [22]none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, [23]shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it. [24]But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14
Moses prayed for God to relent - to pardon the people for their grumbling, lack of trust and faith (v11). When the Lord responds by saying ”How long will this people despise Me...“, that is serious offense. He doesn’t say ”my people“ - He says ”this people“ which infers a distancing relationship - not a close one. The Lord is seriously offended and intends to judge His people. He refers to being despised in V23 - which speaks towards how God feels.
Moses appeals and the conclusion is God’s mercy shown. This is the kind of prayer that God listens to!
‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’ Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.” Numbers 14:18-19
“I have pardoned according to your word.” Can you imagine the HUGE SIGH of RELIEF in Moses’ soul after hearing the Lord utter these words. But there were still repercussions for the people’s sins. What also catches my heart is Caleb’s character - which afforded him the favor of God to enter the Promise Land!
All of my observations lead me to a deeper desire to please God and God alone. TO not offend Him. To not grumble against Him or get to the point of not trusting, disbelieving or even despising Him. I deal with so many internal flaws in my character - although not readily “seen by men”, the Lord knows my heart! I want to have this different spirit like Caleb. To fully follow would mean to fully trust and fully obey. It should include gratefulness, NOT grumbling! Fighting Faith rather than a faltering faith. Disciplines to trust and NOT despise my God!
I can also intercede on behalf of my family, friends, church'ohana - for God's mercy in their lives! God hears, God knows, God loves, God intervenes!
Oh God ALL-MIGHTY! I really want to grow in trust and faith and thanksgiving and love - IN YOU! I’m so convicted to want to live right from within - form my character, motives, desires - yet I falter and fail too often. Thank you for Your relenting mercy and constant grace and faithfulness. Thank you for Your Holy Intervention in my life! I Love You!
