Intercede
I looked up this word to make sure I totally understood the meaning. According to dictionary.com it is “to act in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble as by pleading or petition”. As a parent I’m pretty sure I’ve interceded on behalf of my kids before. I remember once being bullied by a guy who was 3 or 4 years older than me on the school bus and my Dad paid him a visit on my behalf and the guy never bullied me again. I appreciate people interceding on my behalf.
King Hezekiah was striving to restore the people and their relationship to the Lord. He decided to celebrate the Passover with all the people. He couldn’t do the event at the regularly scheduled time, but decided he needed to do it anyway as part of their return to God. He sent out invitations to the surrounding areas and invited people to Jerusalem to the temple for this big gathering for worship. This was a festival that commemorated the exodus from Egypt through the Lord’s leadership. Check this out…
18 Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone 19 who sets their heart on seeking God – the Lord, the God of their ancestors – even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.’ 20 And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. (2 Chronicles 30:18-20 NIV)
This small passage really blessed me this morning as I see the heart of God. He is so kind and compassionate full of mercy and grace. Often in the Old Testament, He wants the ritual and worship to be just so. He shows great compassion and grace because of Hezekiah’s intercessory prayer. I believe that the Lord loves it when His kids return to Him with their heart.
I believe that this is a good message to many people who are “legalistic” in their faith. I believe God is way more concerned about my heart condition that my rule following capabilities. I do believe if my heart is set on Him, then my behavior will follow. I grew up in a rule following faith and now I’ve experienced the grace-giving faith. I’ve learned that the Heart of God for me is NOT condemnation; it’s forgiveness. He wants to save my soul by capturing my heart. He doesn’t force Himself on me but He longs for relationship with me. I personally can’t ignore such an invitation. I can’t quite put into words how grateful I am for Jesus’ intercession on my behalf. I deserve punishment but instead I receive eternal life!
Pressing On!
Dwayne