SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
Scripture: Exodus 33:1-4, Psalm 143:11-12

Exodus 33:1-4 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, “To your descendants I will give it.” And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.’ And when the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.” The reason we need to maintain intimacy is because God’s Sword of Justice cuts both ways! Only the innocent can stand in the fire they call down! Verses 3,4 sum up and make clear that the boldness of the Israelites was the fruit of seeing their enemies burying their dead. Why would God birth boldness this way? It seems a little hard but that is how our God works! King David learned to pray judicial prayers that were heard and answered. Maybe we should start by praying His prayers. Psalm 143:11-12 is perfect – all we have to do is plug in the appropriate names. Absalom stole David’s nation and David’s prayer brought judgment on Absalom. Verses 11,12 state, “Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, And destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.”