Today’s Key Scripture

“Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people.”

— Exodus 32:12

 

In Exodus 32, we read that even after all God had done to deliver, protect, and feed the children of Israel, they turned away from Him, made a golden calf, and worshipped it—all while Moses was on the mountain with the Father:

The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people! Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.” (Exodus 32:9-10)

God, in His holy wrath, determined to destroy Israel, but Moses pleaded with the Lord. He began claiming the covenant promises made to His people, interceding for them:

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.” So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people. (Exodus 32:13-14)

Sinners, then and now, deserve punishment, but God desires to pardon, spare, and reprieve. Thank God we have a Savior who “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Prayer does change things!

 

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for Your mercy and lovingkindness. Even when I stray from You, pulling away from godly influences, neglecting prayer, losing focus and desire for Your Word—even then You draw me back to You so patiently. When I lose my heart for worship and grow cold to the spiritual things that used to be much more important, You forgive me. I ask that you remind me when I drift away from You and allow things of the world to become more important. You alone are my hope, my refuge, my safety, and my Lord. Help me to remember that You always know best. With all this in mind, I submit my will to You today, and I pray this, with deep gratitude, in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are nkjv unless otherwise noted.