DAY 22: Appealing To The Nature of God

By Courtnee White (Cru)

“The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, ‘Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.’”
— Exodus 34:6-7 (NLT)

In Exodus 34:6-7, Yahweh makes a declaration about Himself to Moses as he makes a covenant with the Israelites. God emphasizes His loyal love with five words to describe it. While God recognizes that some will rebel against Him, He is full of compassion, unfailing love, and faithfulness, making redemption and restoration possible. During Israel’s wilderness journey, Moses becomes a righteous intercessor who appeals to God’s character over and over and over again. Watching the complexity of God in His responses, we ultimately see God’s loyal love and compassion continually prevail. We see that Yahweh keeps showing up for His people, whatever circumstances they get themselves into.

We find ourselves in circumstances unique to this season of world history. Some things, like modern conveniences and technologies, have both positive and negative consequences. Some things are perceived differently by different people. Many things bear more complex nuances than simply positive or negative. And all of it has put a much greater strain on our relationships.

As intercessors in the modern world, I am reminded that we continue to appeal to Yahweh’s loyal love and gracious compassion toward people. God is not surprised by the state of the world. And Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection remain the cornerstone of God’s peacemaking plan. We can ask with confidence for God to be faithful and for people to discover God and His faithful, gracious, loyal love.

PRAYER POINTS:

• “O God, we are keenly aware that every person on the planet needs to have an authentic encounter with Jesus and His life-changing love. We ask You, O God, to direct plans, people, and resources as the incarnation of Jesus’ love and work on the earth. Please pour out your Spirit, O Holy God, on Your people. Holy Spirit, quiet our hearts to hear and respond with joyful steps of faith. Thank You, God, that no one is excluded from Your limitless grace. Empower Your people with Your generous love. Spread the news of Your compassion like celebratory confetti over all the earth. Prepare our hearts to give and receive Your love and mercy freely. In the strong name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.”