Interceding

         "Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."

         The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus will save, interceding with God.

         Sounds like my Mama interceding with my Father for me. But I digress.

         What I am sure of is this notion of interceding is completely Biblical.

         Abraham interceded for Sodom.

         Moses interceded for Israel

         Moses interceded for the people in his care.

         Abigail interceded for Nabal.

         Absalom asked Joab to intercede for him.

         Jeremiah was forbidden to intercede by the Lord. 

         Interceding is intervening for someone else. It is standing up for someone, standing instead for someone.

         The No. 1, by far and away, intercession is Jesus doing so on the cross to secure the salvation of his flock. He did so by dying on the cross. 

         In Hebrews 7:25 we read, "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." Why does Jesus intercede for us in heaven?

         First, it is clear from this passage and others that the present location of Jesus is in heaven. One of the purposes of Jesus being there is to stand on our behalf before God the Father and make a way for believers to have access to God.

         Second, the context of Hebrews 7 deals with the Old Testament concept of a priest who interceded before God on behalf of another. Yet unlike a human priest who can only intercede for a limited time, Jesus can intercede before the Father "to the uttermost" a phrase also translated "at all times." The contrast is between a human priest who can intercede temporarily and the role of Jesus as priest who interceded forever on behalf of His people.

         Third, the meaning of interceding includes intervening on behalf of believers to provide forgiveness of sins. First John 2:1 points out, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Jesus is the Advocate of the Christian, working on behalf of those who are His children in order to provide forgiveness and access to the Father.

         Jesus interceding means I can be washed clean by the blood of the lamb.

         Oh, what a good deal this is.