In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, but Abraham focuses on calling God to act justly. It almost seems like Abraham is bargaining with God. What is going on here and what might we learn about pleading with God in prayer on behalf of the lost?
Sermon OutlinE
“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” (Numbers 14:19)
Moses in the Middle
- The Ten Commandments and the Golden Calf (Exodus 19-20; 32:1-33:6)
- Exploring the Promised Land and the rejection of God’s plan (Numbers 14:1-10a)
God’s Frustration (Numbers 14:10b-12)
- Disbelief and contempt of the people
- God’s suggestion of starting over
Moses’ Intercession (Numbers 14:13-19)
- God’s witness to the nations
- God’s character
God’s Grace and Truth (Numbers 14:20-24)
- Forgiveness and continued relationship
- Facing into consequences and an exception
Jesus the New Moses (John 1:17-18; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24)
- Revealer and Intercessor
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever felt like someone you trusted has let you down? How did you deal with it?
- This week in our series “Great Prayers of the Bible” we look at Numbers 14:1-23, where Moses intercedes before God on behalf of the people of Israel. Ask God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud. (If you want further context, you could also read Numbers 12-13.)
- This passage follows the return of 12 spies sent to investigate the Promised Land of Canaan, which God has promised to His people after the exodus from Egypt. The land is fruitful but filled with many people that scare the Israelites. How would you characterize the people’s response in 14:1-4?
- How do Moses, Aaron and Joshua respond to the assembly of people in 14:5-9?
- Do you connect more with the words of the people or Moses, Aaron and Joshua? Why? Why did the people decided they would stone Moses, Aaron and Joshua (14:10a)?
- God interrupts the tensions with two questions beginning with ‘how long’. What is God’s frustration with the people.
- Moses responds to God by outlining two concerns about God’s glory in light of the surround- ing nations (14:13-16). What are Moses’ concerns and why would this matter to God? Continuing in his appeal, Moses asks God to pardon the people (14:17-19). What is the basis for Moses’ appeal?
- What stands out to you about Moses’ life of prayer with God? How might this translate to our prayer life?
- God agrees to pardon, but not without qualifying the pardon in relation to the current, rebellious generation and one member of it, Caleb (14:20-24). Why do you think God qualifies this pardon?
- Moses stands out in this series as a type of Jesus Christ. How does Moses’ approach to prayer before God on behalf of the people remind you of Jesus?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are on your own, write it down and pray about it. If you are in a small group, take time to discuss this with one another before praying together.
DIG DEEPER
- Join in with other activities related to Eastbrook’s Summer of Prayer here: eastbrook.org/summerofprayer.
- You can also access the “30 Days of Prayer” daily devotional during the month of June at Pastor Matt’s blog.