“But this Man, because He continues ever, has an unchangeable Priesthood. Wherefore, He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:24-25
Even now, at this very minute, He’s praying for you with outstretched arms and with “groanings that cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26-27).
A loving, faithful mother’s prayers are effectual prayers. A father weeping over the waywardness of a rebellious child is praying “liquid prayers” (Ps. 56:8). A lowly saint in a little country church. . .lying prostrate on the floor as he weeps over the lukewarmness of his church and the lostness of his nation. . .never needs to wonder if his is “the fervent prayer of the righteous” (James 5:16b).
Why is that?
Simply because one who intercedes for others “with strong crying and tears” (Heb. 5:7) will always be heard by the One “Who ever lives to make intercession for us.”
Yes, even now, the Lord Jesus is praying for us by name. He sees our struggles. Feels our heartache. Groans when we live under guilt, not Grace. Weeps when we live in lukewarmness and unbelief.
But, His is “an unchangeable Priesthood.”
And, in His role as our eternal High Priest He intercedes for us “according to the will of God because He knows we don’t know how to pray as we ought” (Rom. 8:26-27). Again, with outstretched, nail-scarred Hands. . .in which our names are written (Is. 49:15-16). . .He prays for us and does everything in His Power to transform us into His Likeness as a “vessel fit for His use” (II Tim. 2:21).
Yet, we must be willing to lie down on the Potter’s Wheel (Jer. 18:1-6) and allow Him the freedom to make whatever changes are necessary. He will not force Himself on us; but, when we become “co-laborers together with Him” in this process of sanctification (I Cor. 3:9), we will “purge ourselves (through daily repentance) so we can be a vessel of honor, sanctified and fit for the Master’s use, prepared unto every good work” (II Tim. 2:21).
That’s why we should desperately not want to “grieve His Holy Spirit” (Eph. 4:30).
Instead, with “Godly sorrow we should repent” (Rom. 2:4b). We should pray “Lord Jesus, I want your praying for me to be filled more with thanksgiving than tears. Help me to love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength so You’ll be glorified in all I say and do.”
Dear Pilgrim, aren’t you glad Jesus is praying for you right now?
And, aren’t you glad His is “an unchangeable Priesthood,” which means He’s not going to give up on you and stop praying and pleading? Why not spend some time today thanking Him for His great Love for you and unceasing prayers. Then, spend some more time interceding for those you know who so desperately need to know Jesus is praying for them, too.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated March 16, 2010
