Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NAS95)
Other passages of Scripture let us know we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Jesus, post-resurrection, at the right hand of the Father, lives to intercede on yours and my behalf. Hasn’t He done enough? Dying and then raising from the dead would seem to me enough of a work on our behalf, but not for Jesus — He lives to make intercession for us. Imagine that, Jesus praying in heaven, next to God the Father. Now my heart tells me that His intercession has nothing to do with my sin, but everything to do with my salvation — my learning to live on the basis of His unfathomable, incorruptible love.
Jesus then becomes my greatest Advocate to live the Kingdom lifestyle now in full. His intercession concerns me experiencing in the full extent of His love and the transformation that brings. One instance of late showed me how self-centered my own prayers have been. As I was praying, I recognized how my insecurities, fears, and anxieties had produced prayers expressing my desire to control the world around me, rather than relax in God’s loving reign. Sometimes these prayers focused on success in ministry so people would perceive me well, rather than receiving that approval from God alone. Sure I desired good things in these prayers, but they reflected my unbelief in God’s unfathomable love and had more to do with protecting me and those I love. Then Jesus graciously reveals these things to me, and I hear a truth about myself that cuts to the quick. Just as I think in my prayer, “How could I do this?” the whisper of gentle assurance fills the void with the words, “I love you.” Jesus truly lives to make intercession, so I’d grow into the real experience of His love and Kingdom. I’m glad Jesus intercedes!
For Reflection:
“As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in Your presence forever.” (Psalms 41:12 NAS95)
- What do your past prayer reveal about your real belief in God’s love toward you?
- What are the motivations behind the specific prayers you pray? What desires of heart or longings do they reveal to you?
