Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
Heavenly Father,
We admit, we don’t often think about what Christ is doing right now,
seated on the throne next to you,
interceding for us.
We don’t use the word “intercession” very often,
so we’re not fully sure what it means,
but pastor Dane Ortlund helps us here,
comparing it to when a parent intercedes on behalf of a child to a teacher*.
But then we wonder,
if Jesus has to intercede for us to you,
does that mean you’re not fully satisfied
with the atoning work of the cross?
Again, Ortlund helps us here,
reminding us that your “deepest delight
is to say yes to the Son’s pleading on our behalf.”*
What good news it is
to know that our Savior intercedes for us.
When we doubt that you love us
because we keep repeating a sinful habit,
we hear that Jesus “is able to save to the uttermost” —
completely, fully, forever.
When we’ve done it again,
Jesus is interceding for us,
“[turning your] eyes to his own righteousness.”**
When we forget to pray,
Jesus is always,
every moment,
praying for us.
May this incredibly good news
send us to our knees in gratitude, in hope, in love.
In Jesus’ ever-praying name. Amen.
This entire prayer was inspired and informed by Chapter 8 of Dane Ortlund’s book Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers.
*Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly, 79.
**John Calvin, in Gentle and Lowly, 83.
