“I Exhort, therefore, that, first of all, applications, prayers, intercessions … be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1).
We who are believers have become co-intercessors with the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our great heavenly High Priest. Often we do not realize what a great privilege it is to be co-intercessors with the Lord Jesus Christ to intercede for God’s servants and His people. We also do not realize how much others depend upon our intercession.
There is going to be a time of much suffering, persecution and difficulties for all the believer. Some believers are tempted even now to call themselves Harijan Christians to get admission into colleges, secure jobs or scholarships. They are ashamed to confess the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some people are ashamed to carry the Bible or pray in public. By our intercession, such people can be delivered. Those who are overcomers have the privilege of interceding for people who are in such danger. If we fail God by not interceding as we should, God can raise another testimony, but we will suffer with other people. In this respect, now we have a tremendous responsibility for all those who are facing great persecution. Our intercession is so very necessary for God’s servants, fellow-believers and all God’s people in the whole world. Paul the apostles went on requesting believers in different assemblies to intercede for him. “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Rom. 15:30). “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, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6:18-20). We have to intercede individually, as a family, and as a church. By our intercession, God can deliver many people and prepare them for the coming persecution. At the same time, we also can be strengthened. May the Lord grant us a travailing and agonizing burden of prayer for God’s servants, fellow-believers and for those whom we meet here and there.