May 6, 2008

• The Intercessory Work of the Spirit and the Son

  I want us to think about the intercession that goes on for the children of God.  To really cherish and worship God for all His care and work for us to become more and more conformed to His image.  In Romans chapter 8, we have a passage where it specifically gives us some details about the work of the Spirit and Christ on our behalf.

  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:18-34 NKJV)

  Tremendous encouragement comes to my heart everytime I read this because it tells me that I am never alone as a Christian.  There are many, many times that I feel so alone even when I am surrounded by people who love me and care for me.  I know that God never leaves us nor forsakes us as His children.  So, this is why I find encouragement in this passage as I read it.  I can rest assure that no matter how lonely I feel I know that God is there in the form of His Son and His Spirit who are forever making intercession for me.  Wow!  Amazing!  I don't know anything that could give us more encouragement and strength than the truth that Christ and the Spirit making intercession for us before the Father.  May we be persuaded to live life more fully in the name and glory of Christ.  Just as God the Father gave His only Son to be the payment for our deliverance, so will He give us all things that we need and all things that brings more glory to Himself.  Amazing to think that Christ's sacrifice is all that we need to have God on our side and that nothing can stand against us.  So it also appears to me that, while the intercession is important, God already has made up His mind for His children because He is already for us no matter what we have done.  It is that way because our being with God is not based upon us, but on His son Jesus and His work.  Take courage and continue to live for Him because He is forever with you and forever by your side.  He has your back, as it were!

  • 1:09 pm
  • 3 Comments