The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE NEED FOR ONE TO INTERCEDE

After Israel sinned against God by making a golden calf and worshiping it while Moses was in the presence of God on Mount Sinai, God approached Moses to disown his people and begin again with Moses. The book of Deuteronomy intensifies the nature of Israel’s sin in the incident with the golden calf by putting it in the context of Israel’s recent reception of the Ten Commandments and the saving activity of God who brought them out of bondage in Egypt “with a mighty hand” (v. 26). However, Moses countered God’s plan to disassociate from Israel by interceding on their behalf. He pleaded with God to remember his promises to the patriarchs and overlook the people’s sin. He also argued that by destroying the people of God’s own inheritance, God’s saving power and the authenticity of God’s love for his treasured possession would be called into question.

Just as Moses interceded on behalf of Israel, so also Jesus Christ intercedes on behalf of believers who approach God through him. The salvation Jesus offers through the new covenant is a complete salvation that endures for all time and extends to all of life. Those who place their faith in the finished work of Jesus are saved by virtue of his sinless life, sacrificial death and glorious resurrection.

Jesus, I know I could have begged for God’s mercy and it wouldn’t have made any difference without your gift of the cross. Thank you for interceding on my behalf, so that I could receive God’s beautiful mercy. Amen.