FaithVenture

Upon our completion of the Rendezvous series, I have been reading the book The Divine Embrace by Ken Gire in my quiet time with God.  In this book, Gire shares about God’s desire to “dance” with us in a relationship which while guided by form and guidelines, is shaped and lead by a love relationship between us.  Gire does a great job of intertwining the life of Christ, the teachings of the Apostles about our relationship with God, and the reality of life itself to help us move beyond duty and legalism to loving surrender and service.

Yesterday, one of the thoughts from Gire related to the idea that Jesus is interceding for us before the Father in Heaven.  Gire takes Paul’s statement in Romans 8:34 that Jesus “is at the right hand of the Father and is interceding for us.”  Gire talks about Jesus ability to be a “great high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15), and thus as He sits before the Father, Jesus is perfectly equipped to plead our case, our need before the Father.

As I read on, Gire asks an intriguing question that we all need to reflect over:  “What words are on Jesus’ lips as He intercedes for you?” What words come across Jesus’ lips as He thinks about you?  What a powerful question! 

Many of us would probably think words of correction, of discipline, or even of wishing we could be better.  But as I think about the great love God has for us, I wonder if Jesus’ words might just be different.  What if His words were those of blessing; of courage; of hope; of healing; of faith.  What if Jesus’ words of intercession to the Father were words meant to build us up; to affirm us; to strengthen us; to love us.

Oh, how that would change my relationship with Him!  To think that Jesus intercedes for me so that I won’t give in to temptation. So that I know that I am valued and worthwhile. So that I might win the victory over sinful habits and addictions.  So that I might know that I am loved so that I would be free to love God and others as I have been loved.  Oh how I would then be free to live for God, to know I am loved by God, and how I would be free to love others as God has loved me.  And all because I know that Jesus, my Savior, is also my intercessor, coming before the Father on my behalf.

As you go through your week, as you deal with the stresses of life, relationships, and of faith, may you go through it knowing that Jesus is interceding for you to your blessing, to your benefit, to your best life.

Pastor Tony J.