Today I was reading in Numbers 14, which chronicles the story of the Israelites fearful rebellion against God after the spies brought back their report of the people and land of Canaan. About the time the people were ready to stone Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua for trying to convince them to follow God and take the land, God shows up and states that He’s just going to wipe out all of the people and start all over.
In comes Moses’ prayer. In Num 14:11-20, Moses draws upon multiple statements of the true nature and character of God to argue against the destruction of the Israelites. In desperation, Moses is praising God and using that praise to “convince” God of the appropriate action in this situation.
Now I understand that Moses did not change God’s mind. But, Moses’ words of praise and pleading reminded the people who God is and how incredibly foolish their behavior was. God was glorified.
Moses took what he knew of God and entered a bold request, using praise and worship to argue against God’s stated intentions.
In my determination to grow in boldness before the throne of God, this prayer of Moses greatly tugged at my heart. It was full of truth. The praises lifted up in this desperate prayer are echoed in prayers throughout the Word of God. The prayer is consistent with God’s character, God’s greatness, God’s heart, and God’s Word.
My morning is barely two hours old, but God has shown me this truth in multiple ways as I have sought Him this morning: He hungers for me to come boldly before Him! To know His greatness, to know His heart, and to pray boldly in accordance with both truths. I am challenged to step out in that boldness and to find the prayer growth that will naturally follow.
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