In this episode, we witness the power of intercessory prayer in the face of divine judgment and the significance of divine mercy. Moses intercedes for the Israelites after they fall into idolatry by worshipping the golden calf. God’s anger burns against the people for their blatant sin, and He threatens to destroy them and start anew with Moses. However, Moses fervently pleads with God to remember His covenant with the patriarchs, and to consider His own reputation among the nations.

Moses’ prayer is a remarkable example of mediation, where he steps into the gap between God’s righteous anger and the people’s rebellion. His plea is both a defense of the Israelites and a defense of God's honor. This moment foreshadows Christ’s role as the ultimate mediator who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

His intercession not only saves the Israelites from immediate destruction but also sets a precedent for future mediation in Israel’s history. Frances Hogan further explains the tension between divine justice and mercy and the role of human intercession in bridging that gap.

Bible References:

• Ps.106:23 – A testing of Moses
• Jn.17 – Jesus’ great priestly prayer
• Heb.11:24 – Moses made a crucial decision to reject the world's values, refusing to idolize power, wealth, or anything else
• Is.48:9-11 & Ez.20:9-14 – God couldn't have his name and reputation destroyed
• 1Cor.10:31 – Those around us would come to know God by knowing us
• Mk.9:19 – When Jesus descends from Mount Tabor, He is met with unbelief among the disciples
• Jas.2:10 – Why would Moses throw the Tablets he received from God?
• Ex.32:20, Num.5:11-31 & Dt.9:7-21 – A trial by fire
• 1Jn.5:21 – An idol is anything that displaces God in our soul
• Dt.9:20 – Why wasn’t Aaron punished?

We delve into the captivating history of how God liberated the children of Israel from slavery, forging them into a nation of His own. Frances Hogan, the renowned Irish scripture scholar, guides us through the pages of Exodus, unlocking the timeless wisdom and insights that will enrich your understanding of scripture.

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