Hebrews 7:25 – 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.
THEME OF THE DAY. THE SPIRITUAL LIFE-RING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. Let’s be honest. We all face it. No Christian is perpetually camping out on the Mount of Transfiguration enjoying a constant rapturous experience with the Lord Jesus. Every Christian goes through it. It is not only necessary in the Christian life, but the reality of life lived in a world of sin, selfishness, and under the temporary control of Satan. And what is the “it” I am referring to? It is those seasons in life we feel like the floods of life are drowning us. It could be the challenge of parenting; a difficult marriage; a tough job situation; an uncertain future; relational friction; demands and expectations upon us from people . . . the list goes on and on. There are times in life we do feel like we are drowning in the rough seas and crashing waves of life. In those times, we desperately are looking for a life-ring; a means of survival to keep our heads above the rising waters of tough circumstances, situations, and relationships. And God has provided it for us. It is in today’s scripture and in the life of every Christian. It is prayer.
As I write this nugget, and as some of you read it may be experiencing too, I feel like a drowning man. I look at all I have to do; people to serve, sermons to study for, sick people to visit, ministry to conduct, a sad funeral hours away to officiate, letters to write, conflicts between people needing help to resolve, wayward sheep to try and bring back to the fold, and not to mention my own daily sins and failings alive and well in my heart and mind. Do I pray through this “drowning season”? Of course, but sometimes an overwhelmed Christian struggles with prayer; struggles with trying to bring to the Lord all the burdens upon us and leave them with Him while the emotions of worry, stress, and inadequacy fight to bring those burdens back upon ourselves. We need more, not more activity, but more prayer and that outside of ourselves. Today’s scripture shows us one area of “more prayer” to help us in time of great need.
In today’s scripture, we find the writer of Hebrews identifying Jesus in one of His glorious roles He serves in for His people – High Priest. And what is our High Priest doing? Praying. Interceding for us. Constantly. Drowning brother or sister, here is your life-ring; a praying God for you. A praying God who is lifting you up not once in a while but always. Cling to this life-ring. It will never fail to keep your head above water.
But there is another life-ring of prayer; a “praying life-ring” from other believers. As I mentioned, I entered today a drowning man. I am a small man of 5’ 6” in height and I have about 6’ 0’’ of things demanding my attention and action. That makes me a drowning man, but I got a phone call early this morning. This dear saint knows I am an early riser and doesn’t hesitate to reach out when prompted by the Lord. The first words were “Good Morning” and that is the standard greeting of affection. Then the words, “I am praying for you” came quickly. Friends, the most important display of love for one another is our praying for one another. And not just a passing “bless Jim today, Father.” It is prayer of labor, of perseverance, of intense intercession like our Lord Jesus. This is work because it requires of us to forget ourselves and focus on others. I was greatly lifted up by that phone call. My head is above water as a result of remembering my Lord’s prayer for me and those who love me and follow His example. May He help us to do likewise and particularly, be spiritual life-rings for our drowning brothers and sisters in the Lord through the ministry of prayer.
PRAYER: “Father, give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Your Son beyond being my Savior”
QUOTE: “In His wonderful Person, Jesus goes far beyond being our Redeemer. He is our High Priest, praying for us”