Numbers chapter 16 verses 46-48 (NIV)
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has started.” So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.
Matthew chapter 5 verse 44 (NIV)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Moses and Aaron were too often the ones who took the brunt of the people’s moans and complaints. Yet here, when the people had sinned again against God, Moses and Aaron did not show them any ill will but made atonement and interceded for them.
Sometimes we need to pray on behalf of those who have made things difficult for us. They may be unable to pray for themselves. That’s the practical outworking of Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek and doing good to those who persecute you.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this reminder of how to live out my faith even when it’s difficult. Help me to put it into practice. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.