Exodus 33

Exodus 33

Intercession is a powerful form of prayer. Used often on sick beds and in hard seasons, we have become accustomed to the idea of praying for others. Phrases such as “That’s so hard, I’ll be praying for you” or “I’ll pray for that” frequently come to our lips, but how often do we say these words and not actually mean them? Do we truly understand what it means to pray on behalf of someone else?

Moses had found favor with God, not because of who he was, but because of God’s mercy. Moses had an intimate relationship with God; he knew who He was. This prayer we see in Exodus 33 is so audacious it’s almost scandalous. Something you could only say to the closest friend or confidant. Moses asks God to spare His people (v.11-13), forgive them (v. 31-32), and then count the people with the favor he has found with God (v.15-16). 

God would have been just in his condemnation of the people, but Moses was so confident in God’s character that He prayed these things because He knew God had chosen these people as His own. Moses didn’t plead the case of the Israelites, but He pleaded the case of God’s character. 

Through Christ, we have been given an intercessor to live forever on our behalf. As enemies of God, we were unable to be in His presence. But in the same way, Moses stood before God and said, “They’re with me,” Jesus stands in for us. As believers, we get to intercede for those who don’t know God. We’ve been given the opportunity to pray for and plea for the salvation of our friends and family. Would we understand the pardon that has been given to us and take the work of praying for others earnestly.