AUGUST 29

Interceding For Us

Bible Reading: Romans 8

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.”

Hebrews 7:25, “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.”

Jesus is at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf.  What an amazing truth! To intercede is to plead with a person on someone else’s behalf.  It is sometimes used in Scripture to speak of the prayers of men.  It would be fair to say, “Jesus is praying for me.”  Did you know that?  You have others, no doubt, praying for you.  You are encouraged by this truth–Prayer Warriors lovingly taking your prayer concerns and needs to the throne of grace, so you will be helped by God.  Setting that aside, is it not an incredible thing to know Jesus Himself is praying for you?!  Robert Murray McCheyne, a pioneer missionary to America, once testified, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!”  We should also note that it’s not just Jesus who is praying for you, the Holy Spirit is too (Romans 8:27)!

To be sure the exact manner of communication between the glorified and omniscient persons of the trinity is beyond our comprehension, yet that does not diminish the wonder of it all.  The context of the Romans 8:34 reference is the security of the believer.  In this portion of Scripture, we read of the opposition and threats we face: accusations; condemnations; tribulation, distress, persecution, etc.  To be sure, the journey of the believer, from new birth to glory, is an arduous one–filled with obstacles and challenges.  It is in this context we are reminded “Christ Jesus is the one who died–yet more than that, Him, Who was raised–Who is at the right hand of God, Our Savior who intercedes for us” (Romans 8:34)!  The One who died for your sins and rose from the dead.  Jesus is seated at the right hand of God and is praying for You! 

You have others who pray for you, praise God, yet none so qualified as our Savior!  Human prayers are limited in both extent and power, but the One who created all things and rose from the dead is without limits.  Human beings can grow weary in their prayers, but not so the omnipotent Christ.  Perhaps you have been oblivious to His intercessory work, yet He’s never stopped praying for you.  From how many spiritual pitfalls have you rescued?  How many times were you led away from danger?  How much strength has been imparted to you?  How many times was a needed truth mysteriously brought to your mind? 

The passage in Hebrews speaks to Jesus’ intercessory work in relation to His saving work: “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” (Hebrews 7:25).  A “salvation to the uttermost” is assured because Jesus is a Great High Priest who “always lives to make intercession for them.”  He prays us along on our path to glory!  Be encouraged–He will complete the work He started in you.  Nothing can separate you from His love!

ARISE, MY SOUL, ARISE

Arise, my soul, arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
the bleeding Sacrifice
in my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands,
before the throne my Surety stands;
my name is written on his hands,
my name is written on his hands.

He ever lives above,
for me to intercede,
his all-redeeming love,
his precious blood to plead.
His blood atoned for ev’ry race,
his blood atoned for ev’ry race,
and sprinkles now the throne of grace,
and sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds he bears,
received on Calvary;
they pour effectual prayers,
they strongly plead for me.
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“nor let that ransomed sinner die,
nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

My God is reconciled;
his pard’ning voice I hear.
He owns me for his child,
I can no longer fear.
with confidence I now draw nigh,
with confidence I now draw nigh,
and “Father, Abba, Father!” cry,
and “Father, Abba, Father!” cry.