Intercession

The dictionary defines intercession as the act of pleading on somebody’s behalf or trying to resolve conflict. To be a good intercessor one must understand both sides of the issue. The best intercessors are the ones who have lived in the world of both parties involved in the conflict. That is when the best results are obtained.

Hebrews 4
 ¹⁴Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵For 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. ¹⁶ 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.

The writer of the book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ in his role as High Priest. Like a lawyer building his case in court, he lays down layer upon layer of evidence to support his case. In the first chapter of this book we find the scriptural evidence of the relationship between God and His Son. The Bible tells us that Jesus was created above the angels. Even His name is greater than their names. As we proceed through the book, we are warned not to stray from the truth of Jesus Christ because the day is coming when He will reign over all the earth. Even though He was made a little lower than the angels for a time, Christ is still the Son of God to whom has been promised all creation. Jesus is even greater than the patriarch Moses, who walked with God, but was unable to enter the Promised Land because he allowed his anger to get in the way of his service.

In this chapter, the writer is describing the rest promised to those who are faithful to their calling as Christ-followers. He tells us that the promise of a place of rest is one that will never go away. However, we should be constantly vigilant to insure that there are none who will be excluded because they did not know about the promise, or chose to ignore it like the Israelites did in the Old Testament. This passage starts off with the explanation of Jesus’ position as High Priest. Because of the judgment spoken of in the previous verses, we must have someone to carry our petitions to the Father, and Jesus is the only one qualified for the job. He is the only member of the Trinity that has experienced the trials and tribulations of being a man.

Think about the significance of these verses. Not only did Jesus become a man and live a sinless life on His way to the horrible death on the cross; He also rose to return to the Father and intercede in our behalf. No one else could be better qualified to speak for us. He understands the trials and temptations we experience because He experienced them too. But He also understands the holiness of God the Father because He is also completely holy. Given our ability to stand in the presence of Almighty God with Jesus Christ as our intercessor, why is it so hard for us to seek His guidance? What is it that makes us hesitate to turn over every aspect of our lives to Him?

The Bible tells us to come boldly before the throne because we are the sons and daughters of the Living God. Our fear and hesitance does not come from God but from the Devil who cannot abide the fellowship that we have with the Father through the work of the Son. He is constantly trying to dilute our power by dredging up our past sins and causing us to doubt our worthiness. Accept the fact that we will never be worthy, but that does not stop God from loving us and wanting to fellowship with us. All we have to do is be faithful to confess our sins and He will put them under the blood, never to be remembered again.

We are children of the King of Kings! Act like it!

We serve an awesome God!!!!!