Continuous Intercession

Hebrews 7:25

Some folks today have a vision for making intercessory prayer their ministry. Praise God for the faithfulness of these saints of God! However, we read in the Bible that intercessory prayer is already being made for each believer continuously! Isn’t that amazing?

You and I need to take time out to sleep and eat, to interact with family and to serve at church. Some of us have to go to work. Continuous intercession may just not be possible. Yet we take heart. There on the pages of holy scripture are words of tender encouragement….

The One who is able to save to the uttermost – let us pause to consider what that means. Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), you and I, and every other sinner, meet as equals at the foot of the cross. Therefore, whoever has sinned is seen by God as needy…needing His amazing grace. Whatever sin is separating us from God puts us in eternal peril. So, we all fall into the category of “uttermost”?

But The One, Jesus Christ, is not only able, but longing to save every person who has ever lived and therefore shed His blood for the remission of all sin. The thing is – that gift must be received. Whoever, believes and receives, wrote the Apostle John (John 1:12-13), is given the right to be called a child of God.

It is for these folks, hopefully you and me, who are part of God’s family, that the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes continuously. He is seated at the Father’s right hand with the precise mission of protecting God’s own children from Satan. Think of it!

Our Saviour knows our vulnerability. His own temptation gave Him understanding. As God-man, Jesus makes intercession with wisdom and justice on the basis of His omniscience. When you and I pray for one another it is with limited understanding. Only as the Holy Spirit gives us insight can we begin to really intercede on behalf of another.

Our prayer begins with a prayer that God will give us the right attitude so that we can restore gently (Galatians 6:1). Our hope is in the Lord and His power to give victory over evil! Our assurance is from the Word of God – in Jesus’ own words: “My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow me. ….and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).

Reflection:

As we go into another year, let us remember the reason we know we have (Notice the present tense “have”) eternal life is because God’s Word tells us Jesus gives it to us and no one can remove us from the Father’s hand. And…our position is secure because Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Praise God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)