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Moses Profile of an Intercessor
Moses was the meekest man who ever lived. Moses led Israel through their forty-year sojourn from the prison of Egypt to within sight of the Promised Land, the land that is now modern Israel. Moses received the Law on Mt. Sinai during an encounter with God in a forty day fast. Yet the most important credential that Moses possessed was that he was a friend of God, and they communicated in intimate conversations. "The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." (Exodus 33:11)
Moses' exploits are legendary. When Moses raised his rod over the Red Sea, it parted. When he raised his hands toward heaven, the Amalekites were defeated. When he raised up the serpent in the wilderness, the people were healed. Yet greater than any of these was when Moses raised his voice in passion to intercede for Israel. In that hour he single-handedly rescued the nation (Exodus 32); and assured the continuity of the covenants that God had unilaterally cut with Abraham (Genesis 12,13,15,17).
What kind of man dares plead the defense of those who are willfully and arrogantly wrong? "God, why does your wrath burn hot against your people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?" (Exodus 32: 11) Israel again needs those who will pray the scriptures for Zion's sake. Look at the records then and now, and it will be noted that little has changed. There is still a stiff-necked people, who have built gods of gold which they dance around with abandon while they ignore God. "As for the one who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32:23)
Intercessors for Israel must recognize the priority of God's relationship to Israel and His eternal promises to them. "0 LORD, these are YOUR people ... Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Lord, Israel is still to be the recipients of your promised inheritance." (Exodus 32:11-13) May our eyes be open today to see that the plight of Israel is as desperate as when Moses prayed. Israel needs to be rescued again. The kind of intercessor who stood in the gap then, is needed now. Moses reminded God of His relationship to Israel, and that Israel was God's people, not Moses'. "Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." Exodus 32:14
Intercessors for Israel must want nothing from praying for Israel for themselves. Moses could have become a great nation (Exodus 32:10). However, Israel was not Moses' business, Israel was Moses' calling. Israel was God's people with a promised inheritance, in need of deliverance, and salvation. Nothing must stand in the way; Moses was the perfect man to pray for Israel. A calling to prayer for Israel must never be distorted by personal economics.
Intercessors must take the necessary steps of separation. The question begs asking, "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Exodus 32:26). There must be a purging of sin. (Exodus 32:27,28) Consecration to the Lord must be expressed. (Exodus 32:29). Confrontation with the people made them understand that beyond punishment, Moses would be their advocate with God. (Exodus 32:30,31) Moses put his life on the line. We too, are called to be living sacrifices. (Exodus 32:32; Romans 12: 1) God stood face to face with Moses, and on the basis of that relationship, God's Presence and rest went with Israel to the Land of Promise. (Exodus 33:14)
Moses made the difference for Israel. One man saved the nation. You can have great power with God; your life can bring salvation into whatever situation you have been called. Yet Israel is a priority for all of us. I'm encouraged. "Jerusalem will be a praise in the earth." (Isaiah 62:7) "All Israel will be saved." (Romans 11 :26) God doesn't grow weary of being reminded about His promises, it's the enemy who hates to hear God's Word and is trying to silence such prayer.
How to pray for Israel
Pray for the Prime Minister and other leaders in Israel; that there might be unity in the nation.
Pray for Israel's President; that he will have the resolve to walk the right paths on Israel's behalf.
Pray for the Lebanese Christians who have suffered so much over the past 20 years, many of who fled to Israel.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalms 122:6) and Israel as the world pushes for Palestinian Statehood.
by Pastor Ed Smelser, Former Chaplain of the ICEJ
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