Christ's Intercession for us
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Devotional for 21 April 2017
John Butler
GCCB Weekly Devotional / Christ’s Intercession for Us
“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 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.” (, ESV)
In our last devotional, we discussed the benefits past, present, and future of Christ’s bodily resurrection. We also believe that our Lord Jesus, in that human body that He took to Himself in His incarnation in Mary’s womb, has ascended into Heaven and is at the right hand of God the Father. As one Scottish preacher/theologian put it, “the dust of the earth now sides enthroned in Heaven.” As our great High Priest, His sacrifice of Himself for us is a once-for-all time event. But His priestly duties continue. As the writer to the Hebrews put it, “…He always lives to make intercession for them.”
I am coming, Lord willing, to be a pastor to and for you for a couple of years. My primary duties are the ministry of the Word and prayer. You will have to bear with me as I learn to put faces and needs with names and ministries at Grace and engage in the activities of settling in and setting to the work. I will forget, I will falter, I will flub-up, I will fail. One of the “inside jokes” of the ministry is that we always seem to be the last to know who is in hospital or joys or sorrows of congregants of which everyone else seems to be acquainted.
But there is One Who never fails. Never falters. Never fumbles. Never forgets. Never. Your Jesus, Christian, is now enthroned in the heavens. He is pleading your case and case before the Father, Who delights in Him. Your name, your needs, your trials, your temptations, your woe and weal are continually brought by Him before your gracious Father! What a comfort and encouragement this is. We may forget to pray. His agenda always has the priority of prayer for His people! For us, Grace Church!
This intercession is continual, not occasional. He pleads the merits of His righteous life and work on the Cross to be applied to you personally, if you are in Him. He is your Advocate with the Father, answering all accusations against you. Despite your daily failings, He seeks peace of conscience for you to reassure you of your Father’s love, grace, and mercy. By Him you may have every confidence to enter the throne room of grace to present your prayers and petitions, your requests and thanksgivings.
Let us “draw near to God through Him”! I look forward to joining with you, in person, in prayer before our gracious God.
Yours in His Service,
John Butler