11/24/2018
Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, Satan cannot have his way in us. Oh, he might beat up our lives and our bodies, but within us abides Jesus who prays from there, and even through us. In this way Jesus defends what is His... our heart, spirit, and soul, all of which He has been given.
“"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."”
Luke 22:31-32 ESV
Jesus prayed for, and strengthened Peter’s faith to protect him. He didn’t pray that he would have exceptional physical strength, although he could have, but instead He prayed for strength of faith. What good would it be for our bodies to be defended against the dark one if we lose our faith, and our souls, in the process?
This is football season, and like in most sports there is something that ebbs and flows within every game... momentum. What is this unseen and yet incredibly powerful force that can control play, players, and the outcome of games? Some say it is confidence, some say hope, but whatever this unseen force is, it brings victory with it. When a team captures the momentum it turns even teams with substandard ability into champions. It is more powerful than their physical bodies, and the skill they possess.
There is a spiritual form of momentum that we gain through prayer, and association with Jesus, that makes us more powerful in our faith than we are actually capable of being by ourselves. This is the force that we gain from fervent prayer that takes away defeat, and makes us victors even when our physical bodies are being ravished by disease, hunger, or scourged by men. It is that spiritual essence that is greater than he who is in the world... faith.
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 ESV
Have you ever been praying for deliverance and felt the Holy Spirit well up in you? Didn’t you feel a peace, and a strength inside that gave you the assurance that all was going to be alright? Did you attribute that victory specifically to your prayer, or was there something more that you couldn’t explain? What was it that served as the momentum for your prayer? What name gave your prayer power beyond understanding? I tell you that it was the intercession of Jesus.
“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 ESV
We are creatures who are both physical and spiritual, but which one of these dominates you? The truth is that until we develop our spiritual selves to have dominance over our physical selves we will fall short of glory... all our prayers will be for those worldly things that mean little. Jesus is our momentum, and although He might spare you from physical suffering, He is more concerned with your spiritual wellbeing... your faith... eternity.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26 ESV
Faith, this is our treasure, and this is why Jesus offered up His body as sacrifice for us. He gave the vessel so that the contents might be saved, redeemed, and glorified. He gave momentum to our salvation, and victory to us. Let Jesus intercede for you today, and give you the momentum, the victory over sin, and the world. Are you ready to open yourself up to Him, and allow Him to abide and pray within you?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who prays in intercession for me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that teaches me to lean on Him, and pray to you in a His name. Hear my voice Holy Father, and hear in it the echo of Christ. Let my treasure be brought into heavenly storehouses, and not gathered here on earth where it can be stolen, wither away, or eaten by crows. Merciful Father, I pray that you protect me from Satan, but if he should sift my body, and cause me to suffer in his attempt to draw me away from you... strengthen my spirit, and give me faith beyond my wildest ability to dream. Give me the strength of Jesus in the desert, before Pilot, and upon the Cross. Let no sorrow or pain cause my faith to diminish, but keep me in your arms always. In this I give you all glory and praise! Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, who saved me from the darkness, and lifts my spirit above temptation. Hear my cries Father, and hear your Son Jesus.
“But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah”
Psalms 44:7-8 ESV
Rich Forbes