Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.                             —Exodus 32:14

The prayer by Moses recorded in Exodus 32 caused God to change His plans, not only on behalf of the children of Israel, but also for his brother Aaron.

In Deuteronomy 9:19-20 we are told that when Moses interceded for his brother, the Lord spared Aaron also: “For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the Lord was angry with you, to destroy you. But the Lord listened to me at that time also. And the Lord was very angry with Aaron and would have destroyed him; so I prayed for Aaron also at the same time.” (Deuteronomy 9:19-20).

Of this, the great Bible teacher and commentator Matthew Henry wrote:

See here, the power of prayer; God suffers himself to be prevailed with by the humble believing importunity of intercessors. The compassion of God towards poor sinners, and how ready he is to forgive. Thus he has given other proofs besides his own oath that he has no pleasure in the death of those that die; for he not only pardons upon the repentance of sinners, but spares and reprieves upon the intercession of others for them.

What a mighty, loving God we serve! He keeps His promises. He is ever merciful and full of compassion.

A Prayer for Today:

O Lord, I am so grateful that You had mercy upon me, a sinner saved by grace through faith in You. I confess my faults to you. Too often I rebel against you, and I humbly bow before you asking for your tender mercies and love. Thank you for Your promises of forgiveness and restoration, even though I am so undeserving. That You for dying on the cross for all of my sins and shortcomings. Grant that I may increasingly live pleasing in your sight, seeking Your will, and giving all glory to You. Amen!