Interceding

I’ve probably mentioned before how I would’ve hated to lead the Israelite people. 

I’m sure there are a number of pastors that can certainly relate to Moses in how difficult it can be to lead people.

Moses at times lost his temper with them.  At times, he got utterly frustrated. 

But if there’s one thing he never lost, it was his heart for them. 

Time and again, when the people sinned, Moses interceded for them. 

Time and again, when God was about to bring judgment on the people, Moses stood in the gap for them, and pleaded for God’s mercy and grace.

Christian leaders certainly need that kind of heart for the people they lead.  But it’s also the kind of heart that all Christians need for the people around them. 

There are people that frustrate us.  There are people that anger us.  Even worse, there are people that hurt us. 

And it would be so easy to just say, “Okay, God.  Go get them.  Nail them to the wall.  Give them what they deserve.  I’ve had enough.”

But just as Moses prayed for a people that didn’t deserve it, we need to do so too. 

The problem with most people is that they are blind.  Satan blinds them.  Often times, people even blind themselves. 

As a result, they do the things that frustrate, anger, and hurt us.  And yes, they probably do deserve God’s judgment.  But then again, so do we. 

And just as we desire God’s mercy in our lives despite how often we frustrate, anger, and hurt God, we need to desire God’s mercy in their lives as well. 

We need to be praying that God opens their eyes.  We need to pray that they would turn so that God can forgive them, and bring healing in their lives.

That’s not easy.  But that’s how Jesus was.

Several years ago, I saw the movie “The Passion of the Christ.” 

The one scene that resonated most with me was when Jesus on the cross, and they did a flashback to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:43-45)

And there on the cross, Jesus was doing exactly what he had preached.  Praying for those who persecuted and murdered him.

How about you? 

Do you intercede for those who anger you?  Who frustrate you?  Who hurt you? 

Do you pray for God’s mercy on their lives?