Comfort and Assurance October 14, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , trackbackJesus’ intercessory prayer serves as a source of comfort. Let me suggest four ways that it comforts and assures you.
1. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of eternal life. Jesus “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25). Philip Hughes comments on this passage, “How can we who draw near to God through Christ fail to be eternally secure in view of the fact not only that he always lives but also that as our ever living priest he never ceases to make intercession for us in the heavenly sanctuary? With him as our intercessor, supporting us with his love, there is no force that can daunt or overpower us (cf. Phil. 4:3; Rom. 8:37)” (A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, pp. 269–70).
2. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of pilgrim strength, even when you fail. When Jesus informed Peter that he would be sifted by Satan, he added, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32). Jesus comforts Peter with the assurance that though he may be tested by the power of hell, he will be strengthened to turn back. When Jesus prays for Peter, it is not a question of “if you turn back,” but rather of “when you turn back.” When you stumble and fall, Jesus does not turn away, but prays that your faith may not fail. Jesus’ intercession will be answered by the Father, who will strengthen you for the pilgrim’s journey until you are safe at home with him.
3. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of his love for you. If Aaron, in the old administration, bore the names of the sons of Israel upon his heart as he wore his breastpiece (Ex. 28:6ff.; 39:1ff.), then with greater delight our High Priest has our names upon his heart. You are remembered by our Lord as he prays to the Father for you. Jesus prayed for Peter by name during his earthly ministry. Is it too much for him to remember you by name in his heavenly ministry? Jesus says he knows his own sheep by name (John 10:3, 14). When Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus, he called him by name (Acts 9:4). Surely our High Priest knows your name and prays for you. When you think that you are alone and no one cares about you, remember that your Savior knows you personally and prays for you by name.
Furthermore, as your High Priest, Jesus fully identifies with all that you face in life. He has suffered. He was tempted in every way. During his life on earth, “he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death” (Heb. 5:7). And so our High Priest is able to sympathize with all our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He understands and has compassion for you. He knows, he feels, what you are going through, and so he prays for you.
4. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of intimate communion with God. His praying for you is not pleading with a displeased, angry Father. Rather, his intercession is in harmony with the Father’s will to love you and communicate all spiritual blessings to you as his children.
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