The Coming Storm
The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked” (Numbers 14:20).
Scripture: Numbers 14:13-20
Song: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
As Hurricane Harvey made its way toward the Texas Gulf Coast, I was moved by news footage in which National Guard soldiers and out-of-town volunteers cooperated to build sand levees around major coastal communities. These people didn’t have homes in the path of destruction, yet they worked tirelessly to help those who did—even as most residents boarded up their houses and fled inland.
It seems to me that Moses’ intercession for the Israelites serves the same purpose as one of those sand levees. It holds the floodwaters back long enough for souls in peril to escape to higher ground. After all, if it weren’t for God’s mercy—and Moses’ bold prayer— the Israelites would never have survived the torrent of God’s wrath.
We know that God’s patience with sinners won’t last forever, though. His judgment is more terrifying than any hurricane, and its path of destruction is more certain than any meteorological prediction. Yet when we stand in the gap like Moses, boldly praying for the salvation of others who don’t yet know Jesus, we can help shore up the sand levees of God’s mercy long enough for the gospel to do its saving work.
There will always be those determined to ride out the storm, but we’re called to intercede before God on their behalf. And in the meantime, we must never tire of issuing the Spirit’s evacuation call—before the levees fail.
Most merciful God, give me the courage to share Your love with someone who doesn’t yet know Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.