Intercession

When I was 16 years old, my cousin and I got caught drinking beer on a country road. I was given a ticket and summoned to court. The cop took our beer too. The Court required my father to attend with me. I pled guilty. Before sentencing, the Judge asked my father, what an appropriate sentence might be. My dad said, “Throw him in jail.” I was shocked and dismayed. Fortunately, the Judge disregarded the advice and charged me 50 bucks instead. Since I had no money, my dad had to pay. Maybe that is why he suggested jail time. 

I wanted my dad to intercede for me. To stand in my stead and fight for me. Instead I felt like he threw me under the bus. Later, on our way home, I queried my dad about this. He said it was a ploy. His strategy was to be overly harsh, so the judge would be more lenient. I am not sure if it worked, 50 bucks was a lot of money in 1969.

To have someone intercede for us is a wonderful thing. To stick up for you. To fight for you. To defend you. To stand in the gap for you. But even more than that, when individuals are helped by our intercession, society itself benefits. This is the idea as presented by Paul to Timothy. Here it is.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) 1  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession (emphasis mine) and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4  who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

The problem is that those who are blind, do not know they are. (2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) 4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.) We don’t judge them that they can’t see, but God is calling us to pray, to make intercession, to stand in the gap so their eyes might be open, so that they can see the light. 

When you pray for your family members, neighbors, government officials, any anyone else outside of the Kingdom Light, you are doing God’s will. And when we do God’s will we have confidence that he hears and answers our prayers.

This Sunday, I will be speaking on the prayer of intercession and the power that this prayer possesses.

Communion Sunday

This Sunday, we will have communion, so if you are joining us online, be prepared at home with some grape juice and bread as we share in this special time together.

September 8, 2022