Devotion For the day

Exodus 32:31-32 (NIV)
31
So Moses went
back to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a great
sin these people have committed! They have...
made themselves gods of gold.
32
But now,
please forgive their sin–but if not, then blot
me out of the book you have written."

While Moses was on the mountain receiving
God's instructions, the people had gone their
own way, insisting that Aaron make them a
god to lead them. Freed from the bondage of
Egypt and now thinking they are free of a
moral leader, they threw caution to the wind
and gave in to their lusts. While Aaron
formed a golden calf from their donated
earrings, the people partied wildly.

God told Moses to get back to the people, for
they had already broken the commandments
He had just given. God described the people
as stiff-necked. In other words, if you call to
them, they will not turn their head to hear.
They go their own way. God said He will
destroy them and begin again with Moses'
children to make a nation for Himself, but
Moses pled to God with the above prayer.
Imagine if Moses had not had such a heart
for the people. The nation would be called
the Children of Moses, not the Children of
Israel. Here we see the real heart of an
intercessor. Paul the Apostle had the same
burden for Israel. These men shared the
heart of their LORD.

God so loved the world that He gave His one
and only Son that we would not perish. How
much are you willing to give of yourself for
the lost around you? Pray for a heart for
others like Moses and Paul had, and most of
all, like our heavenly Father, who is not
willing that any should perish.

Consider: Do we carry such a burden for
those whom God has called? Would we give
up our eternity to gain theirs?See More