Pray For Their Pardon

At the end of the book of Job, we see God approach Eliphaz, the Temanite, Job’s friend. God admonishes him and his two friends and demands a burnt offering. He tells Eliphaz that Job’s intercessory prayer will save them from His wrath and their folly.

Shouldn’t this be our reaction when we are offended, rejected, and disappointed by others? Doesn’t scripture tell us over and over to pray for others, no matter the circumstances? To pray for others is to go against our fleshly tendencies. Rejecting the urge to condemn and curse our tormentors, we release ourselves from bondage to self-righteousness and judgement, and maintain our closeness to the lord. He said, “Forgive them, for they know NOT what they do!” (Luke 23:34a)

Lord, help us pray for those who give offense as a rejection of our old way of life. Teach us the meaning of intercession. Make us sincere in our adherence to your example of service to the Father and His will.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is  mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “but if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and  if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:18‭-‬21 NASB2020

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Media: William Blake , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (enhanced & cropped)