Numbers 16:48 – And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped.

Lord God, heavenly Father, when I look at how swiftly you dealt out justice on your people I wonder why you haven’t dealt more strongly with me. You quickly meted out your justice on your people when they stepped out of their positions that you had given them, when they grumbled against what you had done. Dear Father, thank you for your astounding patience with me. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love beyond measure. I have often grumbled and complained, even about my station in life. I have wanted more. Yet, in your love and patience, you have not destroyed me. Thank you for those who stand in the gap like Aaron did for the grumbling Israelites. They pray for me that I may not perish. Thank you for those who pray for me. Thank you, most of all, dear Jesus for your work. You truly stood in the gap for me and took the fire of God’s wrath that was reserved for me. You took what I deserved so that I would received what I don’t deserve. Instead of fire I get mercy, compassion, and grace in place of grace. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for standing in the gap. Amen.