[Nov. 26th, 1865.]
I. To intercede, in the Scriptures, is to approach a person for another. In this sense Christ intercedes for his people, and we intercede for each other. Our intercession is simply approaching God in prayer in behalf of others.
-
This is a commanded duty. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Tim. 2:1.) James says, “Pray one for another.” Our Lord commands us to pray for our enemies, to bless those who curse us.
-
It is often exemplified in the Scriptures. Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses often for the people, Elijah for the Israelites of his day, and Daniel and Nehemiah for those of their time.
-
Such prayers being authorized and commanded, are peculiarly effectual, as in the cases above mentioned. In Jeremiah 15:1, God says, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people.” Paul expected the prayers of believers to be heard on his behalf. James says of intercessory prayer, that the prayer of faith avails much, and illustrates its efficacy by a reference to the case of Elijah.
II. It is the exercise of a priestly function.
-
Such is the union of believers with Christ that they share his offices.
-
Hence they are prophets. The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of prophecy; that is, those in whom the Spirit dwells become prophets or spokesmen. Hence they are called Christ’s witnesses, and those who hear them hear Christ. The Church is Christ’s messenger to teach all nations, to act the part of prophets to them. As Christ executes the office of a prophet by revealing to us the will of God, so we execute that office by making known that revelation in his name and by his authority, to our fellow-men.
-
They are kings. They share his authority. (a). To them are committed the keys of the kingdom of heaven. They are invested with authority from him to rule in the Church. (b.) They are to rule over all the earth. The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.” (Dan. 7:27.) The saints shall judge the world. (c.) Hereafter they are to sit with Christ on his throne.
-
They are priests. A priest is one authorized to approach God for others. This is confined by the Romanists to the clergy, or to those who in heaven (angels and the canonized) have liberty of access. The priesthood of believers consists, 1st. In their being permitted to draw near to God. 2d. In their offering to him prayers and praises. 3d. In interceding for others. This is especially a priestly function. The High Priest interceded for the Jews. Christ intercedes for his people. We intercede for one another. Hence intercessory prayer is (a.) Commanded. (b.) Often exemplified. (c.) Available or efficacious.
This then is a great duty, a great privilege, and a great source of consolation; one too often neglected and undervalued.
← 195. The Prayer of Faith · Contents · 197. Prayer for Colleges →