Human Response 200: Repent and Pray

Numbers 14:5-6 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes.

Upon hearing the unbelief and murmuring of the people, the four faithful believers repented. Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the posture of intercession and penitential prayer. Joshua and Caleb rent their clothes as an outward symbol of penitence.

The godly response to Bad News (the people’s rebellion) is to repent and intercede. Moses and Aaron prayed for the people. Joshua and Caleb repented for them. The people’s unbelieving heart and negative attitude was offensive to these spiritual leaders. They could have taken offense, gotten angry, and done who knows what. Instead, their faithful response was to repent for them, pray for them, and forgive them.

Israel was forgiven, but they still suffered the consequences: 40 years in the wilderness, and all those over 20 would die in the wilderness (except Joshua and Caleb). The sin of unbelief is forgiven, but the consequences remain.

Today, godly believers intercede for others, forgive trespassers, repent for the community, and pray for those who despitefully use them.