March 16 – All Within Reach

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

Is it possible that the turmoil caused by governments in many countries result in a certain amount of anxiety? Is it possible that we find ourselves seeking how to respond or pray for those in leadership? So much seems bent on an evil course.  Because Jesus always prays, we can always pray. Every sinner is in the reach of God’s grace, and no sinner is beyond the need for prayer. When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave these instructions for prayer. God desires all kinds of men and women to be saved. So he instructs us to pray for the salvation of all kinds of men and women. No boundary is set to limit our prayers for the salvation of the lost. We are to follow in obedience these instructions even though we know it is God who saves. He chose us even before the foundation of the world. It may seem like a contradiction or dichotomy we cannot resolve. In our limited abilities to reason and understand, it is just that. But it is what God has given us to do. Pray for all, exclude none as our Lord God has assigned to us this duty.  

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July 6 – Think First, Post Second

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”- 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV)

We are inundated with various “social” media. We find ourselves expressing our emotional opinions on our accounts.  What are we saying about those in authority over us? Our opinion that those in leadership are all kinds of despicable people is only an excuse, not a reason. We too often fail to follow God’s commandments and so also fail to experience the blessings of the promise given to us in this verse today.  Apostle Paul’s circumstances and his world when he wrote this letter to his co-worker Timothy were not at all friendly toward Christians.  In fact they were facing some serious persecutions.  Paul was in prison for his faith yet he tells Timothy who he should be praying for.  However we pray, thanksgivings are to be a part of the prayers for ALL PEOPLE. We can’t escape it; we are to pray for all who are in high positions.  Why?  So that we may lead a life that is peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified in every way. Perhaps this is why we’re missing out on this promise? Let’s consider this the next time we think of a snappy Twitter or Facebook quip or meme about those in a high position over us.

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December 30 – Perfect Prayers Forever

“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”   Hebrews 7:25  (NASB) 

A promise today for all who have, in faith, believed God and received forgiveness and salvation because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  We learn in today’s verse that Jesus is able to save forever, or to the uttermost, because He lives to make continual intercession for us.  If Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, did not go on interceding for us forever, He would not be able to save us forever.  In the larger context of this verse we learn that the priesthood of Jesus is permanent and was sealed with an oath and confirmed by God (Psalm 110:4). This is why, as our high priest, Jesus is so much greater than any human priest can be.  His priesthood is eternal.  Our salvation therefore, is not a one-time thing but it continues as long as Jesus intercedes for us and this is something that God promises will never end. Because of the eternal intercession of Jesus for us in heaven, we are being saved today, tomorrow, and every day for eternity.  We are promised that, in heaven, we are saved forever by the eternal prayers and advocacy of Jesus on our behalf.

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June 28 – Once and For All

“Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.  Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25  (NASB)

Yesterday's promise was about eternal life that comes from accepting Jesus.  He is a wonderful Savior and today we consider that He is a perfect Priest.  Our believing and receiving eternal life is only the beginning of what Jesus is doing for us.  In the Old Testament, God required people to approach Him through appointed priests.  The priests preformed the sacrifices and ceremonies that covered the sins of those who came to them.  It had to be done over and over because the covering and forgiveness was temporary and limited.  After Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again to a new life, it proved his sacrifice was accepted by God as the final blood sacrifice for sin.  What Jesus did for us was to save us forever and what He is doing for us now is interceding for us always.  Jesus is the final Priest and the only one a believer has or needs.  We do not need to approach God through another person because Jesus always lives to make intercession for us.  We who believe and receive Jesus as Savior have a direct connection this is true for all who come to God through His Son Jesus.   

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May 23 – Our Priest Forever

“The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,  but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.  Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25 (NASB)

Our selection of verses today amount to three and are longer than usual.  However our promise of having Jesus as our eternal intercessor on our part is good to consider and is a promise that can fill us with joy and courage and love for our God.  When God set up the order of priests for the Children of Israel, He knew that each person who became a priest and who would act on the people's behalf before God's temple and His presence there would be temporary.  Each  priest eventually passed away and new ones took their place.  So there were many appointed and trained to serve the faithful.  When Jesus became our priest the need for any other priesthood ended.  We don't need human priests to mediate between us and God the Father as the Children of Israel did.  We have Jesus Christ as our permanent priest who holds that office forever and it is Jesus who is making intercession before the Father on our behalf.  Now, that's quite a promise we can rejoice in. 

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