“Pleading God’s promises”
And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. —Exodus 32:14
Read Exodus 32:7-14
It came to the point that the Lord could not endure the sins of His people any longer, and He said to Moses, “Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation” (v.10). The Lord’s proposal may have seemed quite acceptable to Moses, since the Lord promised great things for him. He would become the most important person in Israel and his children would inherit Canaan.
But instead, Moses began to intercede with God on behalf of the people. He pleaded the promises the Lord gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v.13). He directed the Lord’s attention to the Egyptians, pointing out that they would seem victorious after all if He disowned His people (v.12). These facts weighed heavily upon Moses; he would not have God’s name held with contempt.
What happened when Moses pleaded God’s promises? “The LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people,” in effect saying to Moses, “It is true. I cannot forsake My promises; I will not do it.”
You too must plead the promises of God! The first promise was given to you at your baptism, when the Lord said, “I will be your God and Father.” The Bible is full of similar promises. Pray to God that He fulfill them in your life, for He will not ignore such prayers.
Why are the promises in the Bible so valuable and rich?