A COMPASSIONATE HEART

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MOSES AND AARON
Read Exodus 32:1-33:17

     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. But now, please forgive their sin–but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."   Exodus 32:31-32 NIV

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     During the 40 days that Moses was on Mt Sinai receiving God's commandments, the people talked Aaron into making them a golden calf. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (32:4b)  The next day the people sacrificed burnt offerings to the idol and began to dance and engage in revelry.

     The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen these people… Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.” (32:9-10a)   Moses pleaded for the people saying that if God would not forgive Israel's sin, Moses was ready to be blotted out with them. Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. (32:14)

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     Lord, give me a compassionate heart for those who are living disobedient lives. Teach me your ways so that I will know You better, and be an example of obedience to my family and friends. I know that I cannot do this without your daily presence in my life.

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     "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?" (Exodus 33:15 16)

A PERFECT MEDIATOR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

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Read Hebrews 7 – 8

       ...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

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     These Hebrew Christians were familiar with the sacrificial system and the priesthood. They were also aware that their priests were sinful human servants who had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could approach God for the sins of the people. They were appointed as imperfect mediators between God and men.
     Jesus in contrast, is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (7:26a-27)
     As the ultimate, sinless sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect mediator for all who would believe in Him. On the basis of the cross of Jesus Christ, our sin debt is settled “once for all.” We are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto everlasting life, and when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

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     Lord, how can I express my thankfulness to You for being available every day to intercede for me. Help me to live for You, for I am no longer my own, I have been bought at a price. Help me to glorify You.

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     For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV