INTERCESSION

Hebrews 7:25
Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
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A friend asked me to intercede on his behalf and ask another friend to forgive him. I simply said that yes I can talk to that person, but I cannot really ask for forgiveness on his behalf. He should ask for it himself. It stands to reason that someone who is in much the same position as ourselves, someone who needs an intercessor as much as we do, is not qualified in his own right to intercede for us. But, in Jesus’ case, it is entirely different.

Jesus Christ is able to be our go-between who can speak to God on our behalf. We can then “draw near to God through Him” (Heb 7:25). The prophecy about Christ stated that “He himself bore the sin of many and interceded for the transgressors” (Isa 53:12). There is only one priest among men who can can go to God in his own right and intercede for us, who himself does not need an intercessor. That man is Jesus Christ. That’s one reason why he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through me”.

When we try to contact the one who is supposed to intercede for us, we don't want to be told, “Oh I'm sorry but he died yesterday”. Christ died when he offered himself as the sacrifice for sinners. However he rose again and now “he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25). This assures us that when we stand before God to be judged, however far into the future that day may be, our intercessor will still be alive because He lives forever.

Let us pray +

Heavenly Father, save and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor and the destitute, the orphans and widows, those suffering from spiritual, mental and physical illnesses, those in misfortune, tribulation and sorrow, those held captive or sent into exile and especially who are suffering persecution for Your sake and those for whom we have been asked to pray. Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

Amen +

Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.