WHEN THE MAJORITY RULES

The old adage that "The majority rules" has its perks but then in my reading today, Numbers 13- 14, "Ugh!"  The Israelites are at the threshold of the "Land of Promise, Canaan".  In chapter 13,  the LORD directs  Moses, to send some men to explore the land of Canaan.  HE even includes the reminder promise, "which I am giving to the Israelites."  From each Tribe, one man is selected to explore the land. After 40 days, the men return to the camp and have a bounty of fruits in hand and begin to give their report of their findings.  It is reported "they" give Moses the account.  They agree that the land "does flow with milk and honey" and show the fruit.  The report then goes negative: BUT the people are powerful, the cities are fortified, and the group to fight to gain the land is formidable and stronger.  Caleb speaks, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."  The majority rules!

 Chapter 14, that very night, after the reports are given, "all" the people weep, grumble, and the majority agrees, "Let's choose a leader and go back to Egypt."  Joshua, Caleb, Moses, and Aaron begin to intercede and appeal to the assembly.  The response of the people, "Let's stone them!"  Our HERO, the LORD, appears at the Tent of Meeting, and in front of all Israel and speaks to Moses.  God speaks His heart:  "How long will these people treat me with contempt?  How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?  I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you (Moses) into a nation greater and stronger than they."  Note: The majority is ruling and the consequences will be dire!

In verses 13-19, Moses begins his prayer of intercession for this rebellious group.  He could have jumped at the suggestion to kill off the rebellious and begin a new nation with his progeny. BUT, let your heart and mind hang onto verse 20, "The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them as you asked."  Perhaps you have grown weary of interceding for a friend, a loved one, a son or daughter, a spouse, or a parent.  I give you as evidence, the effectual intercession, the asking of Moses for a group that does deserve God's wrath.  Luke 18:1, "Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."  Moses' prayer does not keep Israel from some painful consequences, but it does stay God's wrath from ALL of them being destroyed.  I challenge you to go online and type in prayer promises and then print the page...I have a list of 20 promises that I read and reread when I begin to get weary in praying and not seeing the "results when I want to see them".   You and I have been called up to pray down God's will for the earth as it is done in heaven. Again, I remind you of the power of 1 who is willing to stand in the gap for another, a whole nation, nations of the world, unsaved family members, healings, revivals across the world, etc.  James 4:1 b reminds us that we do not have because we do not ask or we ask with wrong motives.  James 5:16b, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS.