Bible passage:
Hebrews 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:22-287This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
Job 16:19-21 Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend. (NIV) Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
The world stands in need of liberation. Each of our friends need help, deliverance, and guidance. Be it our brothers and sisters in Christ, or our friends of other faith, or those who claim to have no faith in any deity, all of them have unmet needs, unanswered questions, and like Job desire an intercessor, someone who understands their needs and pleads their cause. What a privilege then is it for us to know that we have the perfect Intercessor - our High Priest, Friend, Mediator, and Advocate! And what a cost He had to pay through His very sinless life and suffering, death upon the cross, burial and resurrection, for Him to ascend into heaven and intercede for us!
It is then a huge honor and responsibility for us to be taking up this role of intercession. Let's pray once again for God to consecrate us and set us apart from this mission. We may have not done our best till now, but that's alright. Let's strive to become better. Let us learn to run to our Father with our intercessions and groanings in the Spirit, through the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
Let us then learn about intercession from Jesus: Let's persevere for everyone whom we intercede for, persevere for years together in intercession, persevere till the very end, like Jesus still does for each one of us.
Prayer points:
Let’s pray that the God who called us would equip us to be His priests who are faithful to Him in service. Pray that we will grow in the heart and discipline of intercessory prayer.
Let's pray that our ears are tuned to the voice of our Shepherd and King, in alignment with the will of God, and filled with His Spirit, that we know whom to intercede for, what to pray for, and that with obedience we would pray for them.
Let's pray against every sin, habit, distraction, and busyness that would take us away from the responsibility that we have in prayer.
Let's pray for God's love to be poured in our hearts, that we get to know our friends, their needs, and respond with intercession and godly actions.
If you can, try memorizing Romans 8:34.
Comments