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One Great Intercessor
RC Sproul states that “prayer is the priestly function of carrying a petition to God.” Throughout the Old Testament, there are two major offices who communicated and mediated between the people and God: prophets and priest. Prophets role was to carry the message of God to the people and speak on behalf of God. The role of the priests included carrying the message from the people. He was ordained by God to be their spokesperson… their mediator.
In Christ, we have a great Prophet, a great Priest, and a great King. He was the Word, and therefor was the very voice and words of God. Its not uncommon for people to say “I just feel like God is silent. He hasn’t spoken to me in a long time.” My immediate question is, “Have you been reading His Word?” God speaks with full authority through the Prophet, and Word, Jesus (as well as other authors of Scripture) and we have full access to its wisdom through the Holy Spirit.
As a priest, Jesus not only acted as the one who brought the person sacrifice of Himself on the cross, but He is the one who enters the Holy of Holies to act is our Great High Priest. He prays for His people, acting as the great intercessor. And His prayers are truly powerful, not only witnessed by His miracles on earth, but also in His prayers as we see in Scripture.
In Judas and Simon Peter, we see disciples who at Jesus’ darkest hour, show themselves to commit terrible acts. In Judas, Jesus predicts his betrayal very matter-of-fact. He goes on to have a great prayer of intercession for His disciples, but states “None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.” (John 17:12) Instead of praying for Judas, He prays about Judas.
In predicting Peter’s denial, Jesus states “”Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). Notice that Jesus did not say “If you have turned back,” but says “when you have turned a back.” In this case, Jesus prays for Simon Peter, and with full certainty of that prayer coming to fruition. He made intercession for Peter. He acted as Peter’s priests. And how exciting is it to know that at this very moment, Christ is acting as our High Priest, praying for us!
Chris,
Thanks.
Even though you (we) are not worthy, you are now a saint and a priest, proclaimed by God to be both, and called to walk as such. That is true of all of us who believe and claim Christ as Savior and Lord. If Christ is our Savior, Lord, High Priest, Intercessor, and Minister what a great and wonderful responsibility he has laid on us in just two callings.
Chris, thank you for pointing out that wisdom through the Holy Spirit is available to us. I need wisdom just to know how to pray as Jesus did. Do I pray “for” or “about” a loved one or a situation. Good point. Love ya’ and glad to serving Jesus with you.
PS You were once a sinner but you are righteous now – Amen