| The Grapevine |
| Our Response as Christians By Jack Northart At this time, it is important to stay the course in our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Our fellowship with Him continues to be vital to a life that is honest and godly. Part of our responsibility is to carry out what is spoken of in the record in I Timothy. ITimothy2:1 I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men. The word "intercessions" is a translation of the Greek word, enteuxis. And is means: "confiding access to God, giving prominence to childlike confidence in prayer." It is "prayer in its most individual form; God sought in audience and drawn nigh to." The root word, entugchano, means "to go to meet a person for the purpose of conversation." The English word "intercession" refers to one pleading or intervening on behalf of another. Logically, to intercede for another, the intercessor needs access. For example, if I attempted to intercede before someone of great importance, like the president of the United States, I would be refused entrée into his presence. However, a senator or even better, a close friend, would have more success. Verse 2: For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Isn't that a powerful position that we have as believers? We can intervene before God on behalf of those who govern our countries. In the Old Testament, there are numerous records of men and women who intervened with God on behalf of others. For example Abraham in Genesis 18, endeavored to intervene with God on behalf of the city of Sodom. After much deliberation, God said that he wouldn't destroy Sodom if He could find 10 righteous in that city. The city of Sodom was destroyed, but God did answer Abraham's prayer. On another occasion, Moses interceded for the Children of Israel in Numbers 14. Another instance is Esther interceding to the King, Ahasuerus, not to let the Judeans be destroyed, and they the king granted her request. Intercessory prayer should be a vital part of the born-again believer's fellowship with his Father. Through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God and childlike confidence toward our Heavenly Father. We are directed to pray on behalf others several times in the Church Epistles. Ephesians 6:18,19 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. Colossians 4:12 says Epaphras labored fervently, night and day in prayers for the believers. And then vs.4 goes on to say what he prayed for… "that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." What a wonderful thing to pray about for other believers. This is something that we can do in our day and time. To pray fervently for each other that we may stand perfect in all the will of God. We know that the Word of God is the Will of God. The only way to stand perfect and complete is to know His Word. When life's situations deal us a blow, we have God's Word to stand on. And that burden is made easier to do as we pray for one another. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get back to the habit of praying. Whether it be …"prayers, intercessions or giving of thanks"… we can exercise this God given right privilege and joy. |
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