WEEK 6
DAY 39- WE PARTICIPATE IN YOUR KINGDOM AS AN END-TIMES MOVEMENT
Scripture- Matthew 24:14; Romans 10:13-15
It happened again—someone added something new to Scripture. I’ve read it many, many times before, but clearly that phrase is new since last I read through the Word. The first part of the verse I’ve heard and even preached on: “Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Heb. 7:25a). These are powerful words on their own, but someone snuck in an added phrase: “ . . . because [Jesus] always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25b). I had never seen that before; at least it had never registered until the Spirit pointed it out this time.
Yes, Jesus modeled a powerful prayer life while on earth. Jesus taught us how to pray. But here and now, I find that He, sitting beside Abba in heaven, is always interceding for me. It stands to reason that He prays more wisely than I do, with more power than I have, with greater insight than I ever could have, and with knowledge of the future that I could only wish for. My grocery list of prayer pleas and Christmas lists of requests seem somehow less needed when I discover Jesus is already always praying for me and with me. Yes, I should still share my heart in prayer, but I find I can more easily abide in Him with hope and rest when I realize that He is already, always, powerfully, wisely praying for and with us.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Jesus,
You have granted grace and salvation; I am eternally grateful. Further, You’ve gifted me with the companionship of the Spirit. I couldn’t imagine life otherwise. Beyond that, You continue to labor in love on my behalf by always interceding for and with me. Seeing the powerful impact of Your prayer life while You walked in this world makes me take a deep breath of hope as I abide in the reality that You are praying for my life and journey in the same all-powerful way. And here I exhale in rest, peace, and hope. Amen.
By Jeff Miller