The intercessory work of Christ

The intercessory work of Christ       

Hebrew 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” NIV Bible

Extra Reading: Hebrew 7:1-28

There are people who think that Christ is idle today. They ask, “What is He doing now?” Jesus is actively involved in the ministry of intercession.  Christ is now appearing in the presence of God for us (Hebrew 9:24). A priest is a mediator, one who intercedes with a just God on behalf of guilty sinners. From Leviticus 4:16-18 we learn that the priest bears a bloody sacrifice or a sin offering to the Lord. We thank God often for Calvary and we must thank him for His present advocacy at God’s right hand on our behalf. Day by day our High Priest pleads on our behalf to the Father God. He was ordained or appointed to the task (Hebrew 3:2). He was called of God to the task (Hebrew 5:4, 5). He served in things pertaining to God (Hebrew 2:17). On earth Jesus never acted as a priest. He never entered the Holy of Holies. Jesus as God ever lives to intercede for us. In this respect Jesus follows the Melchizedek pattern, a priest without end (Hebrews 5:6).

Christ now appears in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9:1-8 tells of the responsibilities of the priest. Christ intercedes for those who come to God (Hebrews 7: 24, 25). The basis of his plea is his own blood (Hebrews 9:12). In John 17:1-26, His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus speaks of the finished work. His prayer covers the following key areas:

-For grace to be given to the saints in need (2 Cor. 12:9).

-For strength to be given to the weak (John 17:11).

-That we may be kept from sin and temptation (John 17:5).

-That we shall be forgiven when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).

-That we have power to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8).

-That we be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, transform us to be like you. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Rev. Samuel N. Modise