Moses Intercedes for Israel

Read:Exodus 32:7-14
Listen:Exodus 32

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. May’s focus is Intercession.

But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?” Exodus 32:11

Moses has been on Mount Sinai for forty days, receiving the law from God. Meanwhile, the Israelites have grown restless and afraid. They pressure Aaron into making a golden calf and worship it as their deliverer. They’ve broken God’s first two commands to have no other gods before him and to not make an image to worship (Exodus 20:3–4). God sees it all, and his anger burns. He tells Moses he will destroy them and start over. Moses responds with remarkable faith. He steps in to intercede. Moses prays for the people, appealing to God’s reputation and covenant promises. Moses stands in the gap between a holy, righteous God and a people who have quickly rebelled against him.

Just as Moses interceded for Israel, we too are invited to stand in the gap for others. Intercession means placing yourself between someone and their need, bringing them before God in prayer. We may not always know what to say, but intercession doesn’t require perfect words, only a willing heart. We can appeal to what we know is true about God—he is merciful, faithful, and full of steadfast love. We can be certain we have an even greater intercessor in Jesus, who “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25). When we pray for others, we join Jesus in the work of intercession.

TODAY: Think of someone who is in a hard place right now. Pray for them by name. Ask God to show his mercy and faithfulness in their situation and draw them to himself.