“Pleading With God”
(Exodus 32:7-14)

The God of Israel’s deliverance, the God who opened up the sea to let His chosen people escape from the Egyptians, the only eternal, true God was going to destroy this fickle, ungrateful, faithless people. But, “. . . Then, Moses pleaded with the Lord his God” (Exodus 32:11).
Moses, too, was outraged by the actions of Israel. He was town between two loves: his love for God and his love for the people he’d chosen to join, and whom he led. Moses pleaded with God, prayed to Him, for the sparing of these people.
Two thoughts dominate Moses’ prayer to God. First, his own concern, for even so faithless a people as Israel. Second, his concern for the reputation of God. Could we be so bold in praying to God? Should we be so bold? God is the same now as He was when Moses spoke to Him. He remains the epitome of righteousness, and holy judgment. And the God of Sinai is the God who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. He’s a God of law, and of grace. He demands righteousness, and holiness, from His chosen people.
Moses prays to God to honor His great name and to remember His promises and covenants (Exodus 32:12-13). And, God listens to Moses’ appeal and He is glad for Moses’ love and concern – for Him and for His people.
The church, today, is spiritual Israel, adrift in a wilderness world of sin. Those on “. . . the Lord’s side” must step forward to be recognized and to pray for others that they may be healed, spiritually.