Daily Reading: Numbers 16
Scripture Focus: So Aaron took it as Moses said and ran into the midst of the assembly. And behold, the plague had already begun among the people. And he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. (Numbers 16.47-48)
Devotional Thought: Sometimes people blame God for what other people do. Sometimes people blame people for what God does! That happened in Numbers 16. A community leader named Korah had rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and God had intervened, visiting judgment upon Korah and his supporters. Moses and Aaron actually interceded for Korah and the others who had rebelled, but the people accused them, "You have killed the people of the Lord" (v. 41). Moses did not take it personally, however, and sent Aaron among the people to intercede for them.
When Aaron stood between the living and dead, "the plague was stopped." How wonderful to know that our prayers make a difference even when it comes to the judgment of God! Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. Have you ever thought that your prayers may be the only thing standing between your 'enemy' and ruination?
The Bible says, "If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life" (1 John 5.16). The prayers that you pray have a mysterious power to give spiritual life to your brother or sister! The Apostle James wrote "The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Whether it is Moses, Aaron, John or James - or you! - "The prayer of a righteous person has great power" (James 5.16). Be faithful to pray for people's salvation!
Prayer: Father, I am amazed and humbled that you should put such power in my hands. Help me to be faithful to pray so that others may find your forgiving grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. 107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! 108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. 109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. 111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. (Psalms 119:105-112)
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