Thoughts for Life: #7 God's Best: Moses and Samuel

C. Peter Wagner tells us "If I am not mistaken, the two greatest intercessors in the old Testament were Moses and Samuel.

I surmise this from Jeremiah 15:1 where God says, "Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be favorable toward this people."

The main point was that intercessors are not manipulators of God and that some things God has set in concrete.

Samuel anointing David

But in order to reinforce the point, God mentions His two best: Moses and Samuel.

I have already mentioned moses' intercession for Joshua in the battle of Rephidim Exod. 17.

Another even more dramatic example came when Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the tables of the law and the people of Israel turned against God and reverted to paganism.

God was so angry that He said, "Let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them" Exod. 32:10.

Moses then prayed one of the most touching prayers of intercession recorded in Scripture.

As a result, "The Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people" Exod. 32:14.

Moses' heart was typical of many intercessors I know. At one point he hurt so much for those for whom he was praying that he said to God 'Yet now, if You will forgive their sin - but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written" Exod. 32:32.

No wonder God regarded him as one of the best!

An outstanding example of Samuel's intercession came when the Philistines were descending on Israel and Israel was terrified.

They said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines 1 Sam. 7:8.

"Then Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him:" 1 Sam. 7:9.

The Lord sent thunder upon the Philistines, they became confused, and Israel overcame them.

As did Moses, Samuel showed his intercessor's heart when he later said. "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you" 1 Sam. 12:23.

We can be thankful that this is not simply part of ancient history, but that today God has given us many, many of His children with hearts like Moses and Samuel. They are precious gifts to the Body
of Christ."

Today’s post -#7 God's Best: Moses and Samuel, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 30, 31) By Regal Books

The next post is to be 7/11, #8 Intercession in the New Testament, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.

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Let’s pray: Father, may we be willing to intercede long before there's a crisis! We desire to act according to Your promptings, and be ready to pray when someone has a very real need. We ask for guidance in our prayers, that we will become effective and fervent in our requests. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain (acquire) unto wise counsels."

Today’s quote: Laverne White – “Fear causes us to lose the strength to perform even the simplest of tasks. But when I soak myself in the promises of God, He reminds me He did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power. He stands firm in His promise to protect us and when we call out to the one God who is Almighty, His word fills us with life-giving energy.

It gives us the assurance and courage we need for everyday living. In the light of Scripture, all things are put in their rightful place, and we are reminded of His constant presence. Take your fears to Him right now and run into His outstretched arms.”

Our thought today: The hope of your future keeps you going through the difficulties.

Tomorrow’s post: Fantastic Offers Dave Branon

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