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Numbers 14:17-19

And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, ‘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.

Freshly delivered from Egypt, Israel was headed toward the promised land. Twelve spies were sent to do reconnaissance and brought back a report. Ten spies relayed that there was no way Israel could overtake the inhabitants. Joshua and Caleb noted that nothing was impossible when God was on their side. However, the people went with the majority report and threatened to choose a new leader who would take them back to Egypt. God asked Moses, “How long will . . . they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?” God threatened to strike down the people and give Moses a new nation. But Moses pleaded for the people based on God’s patience, love, and forgiveness. He interceded for protection, praying, “Please pardon the iniquity of this people.”

Prayers of intercession—praying on behalf of others—are found throughout the Bible. These are prayers where we pray for others—a spouse, a child, a friend. Think of a person you love who is walking far from God…in a danger zone. Today pray that God will protect them, open their eyes, and bring them back home.

Talking Points

• Think of a person you love who is far from God and pray on their behalf. Base your prayer on the character of God. He is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” Ask God for their protection and to bring them to their senses.
• Connect with this person through a call, text, email, or note and let them know that you are praying for them. 

Father, thank you for the privilege of intercessory prayer. Today we pray for our loved ones far from you. Please protect them. Open their eyes to see the danger zone in which they are living. Move their hearts back to you where they will find a great Father, full of patience, love, forgiveness, and restoration. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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Today on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Samson – A Lesson in Self-Destruction