What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
~ Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question One
In response to the congregation’s grumbling, and God’s proposal to wipe the whole rebellious lot of them out, Moses intercedes with God for his people. It is one of the most striking prayers in all of scripture and much could be written of it. Let’s consider two aspects today: the prayer’s content and focus. The content of the prayer is interesting because it mirrors the very things the people have rejected: as noted yesterday, they rejected God’s power, God’s word, and God’s goodness. Take a moment to read this beautiful prayer (Numbers 14:13-19) and note verses 16-17a: “And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression’’” Moses appeals to God’s power, God’s word (his promise), and God’s goodness!
Even more striking is Moses’ chief concern. I suspect if we stood in this place of intercession today our concern would be the human tragedy. Moses’ first census counted 603,550 men aged 20 or higher, so the total in camp would number in the millions. We would appeal to God on the basis of the children, or those cut down in the prime of life, or perhaps on behalf of the elderly and vulnerable. You will not find any such concern in this prayer. Moses’ sole concern is the glory of God. He says that the inhabitants of the land, those who know you are ‘among the people’ and are seen ‘face to face’, will say, “It is because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness. (v16)” In other words, Moses says, ‘God, they will impugn your goodness and your power to honour your promises – your glory will be hidden’. This kind of radical God-centredness is foreign to us, but necessary if we are to navigate the many obstacles of life.
Something to Praise:
The Lord’s response in verse 20 is extraordinary: “I have pardoned, according to your word.” God proposes to the mediator Moses to destroy the nation and start over with Moses to make a greater one. The mediator intercedes on behalf of the nation, appealing not to their rights or deserving, but to who God is, what he has promised, what he is capable of, and all for his glory! This picture of a mediator for the people of God points to the ultimate, perfect mediator: Jesus. It is the Christ who not only intercedes for his people, but says, ‘Let the judgment due them fall upon me, and the blessing I deserve be upon them.’ Praise God!