INTERCESSION

My handy-dandy Webster's informs me that the word "intercession" means "the act of interceding; mediation, pleading, or prayer on behalf of another or others." Christians make intercession for family and friends all the time. Before the teaching in Sunday school, we are asked if anyone has something to share for which they praise the Lord, or a prayer request. We often praise Him for past intercessions that were "successful" and almost always have a list of folks in mind who need prayer. Most importantly, we pray for those who have not placed their trust in Jesus Christ. I have often heard prayer requests for the salvation of an enemy or a problematic person. If I had "my wish," Osama Bin Laden would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Like God, I do not want anyone would perish (2 Pet. 3:9).

The word implies that the person interceding believes several things. Among them, that the one in authority will listen, that the one in authority has the ability to meet the request, and that the final decision is yet to be determined.

As Christians, we have access to God. When the temple veil of partition separating man from God was rent from top to bottom, it signified that the death of Jesus Christ "opened the door into God's presence." And, lest we become proud, our access to God is totally by grace (Rom. 5:2). Our access to the Father is due to His Son's obedience, and His role as Mediator and Advocate (1 Tim. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:1).

As God, He has the ability to meet the need because He is all powerful (omnipotent - Gen. 17:1; Job 42:1-2; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Rev. 19:6). As God, He knows what needs to be done to meet our requests because He is all knowing (omniscient - (Ps. 139:2; Isa. 40:26; 46:10; Rom. 11:23; Heb. 4:13). As God, He has the motivation to meet our request because He loves His creation (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 8:32; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16).

For the lost person, there is still hope. The final decision is yet to be determined. As long as a person is still living, the possibility exists that he or she can be saved. The Word says that, "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27). Notice that judgment comes after death; as long as there is still life, there is still hope. Christians are told to make intercession for all men (Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 2:1). We must do our part in reaching the lost, as well. How can they believe if no one tells them (Rom. 10:14-17)? Talking to God on their behalf is good, but talking to them is the other half of the equation.