How many people do you think that have ever lived, or living to date, lived a life where their voice was not heard amongst the fellow citizens of the world; some never have representation on their behalf in matters of life and even death. To be honest, its more than we can count. When we really think about it, having someone on our side, especially in times of need, is necessary and even vital to winning the battle, if not the war. For example, when facing a genuine legal struggle, unless you have extensive knowledge of our legal system, you would need representation for defense and sometimes on the other side. You would need special attention to the reality that even the most mundane legal matters can require dozens of steps and complex maneuvering. Some of which is more than we can handle.
In 2017 it has been reported in some states, as many as 80 to 90 percent of litigants are unrepresented, even though their opponent has representation. The number of these “pro se litigants” has risen substantially in the last decade, due in part to the economic downturn and the relationship between poor economic conditions and issues like housing and domestic relations.
The Legal Services Corporation, the single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans in the nation, reported in June of 2017 that 86 percent of low-income Americans receive inadequate or no professional legal help for the civil legal problems they face. In the state of Georgia, courts heard more than 800,000 cases involving self-represented litigants in 2016 alone.
In some types of cases, not having counsel can make a dramatic difference. Take the example of low-income tenants facing eviction. Across the county, roughly 90 percent of landlords are represented by counsel, while 90 percent of tenants are not. Simply having a lawyer increases the odds of being able to stay in one’s home. When tenants represent themselves in New York City, they are evicted in nearly 50 percent of cases. With a representative, they win 90 percent of the time.
Now, I’m not trying to dictate here how legal battles are required elements of representations or even how fair or unfair our legal system is. I’m trying to portrait a true picture that even when we think we have things under control, when we feel we are in the right, and even when we are genuinely helpless, we still need assistance! We need a representative, an intercessor!
I remember hearing the comment before, “He who represents himself has a fool for a client!” There is truth to this, especially in matters of the Spirit.
How can we, sinful and redeemed people of God ever fill the shoes of a sovereign savior, that was born to die for our transgressions? Imagine each of us facing almighty God on the day of judgment, answering for each of our sins yet only finding no guarantee that we will be spared from our petty efforts in attempting to save ourselves. What a terrifying thought! Yet, there is hope, we have a guarantee don’t we! An ever-present, always willing savior stands between the Heavenly Father and us as our intercessor, clearly showing his wounds that ultimately paid the price of salvation to save everyone whose name are written in the lambs book of life. Let me get a Amen!
In thinking of Christ as being our intercessor, but why we ask him in our prayers to intercede with us and for us? Think also about how when we address Christ in all areas of our lives, we conclude to solve the age-old question, Where is Christ at? What is his relation to us today? Rest assured my dear friends, Christ is with us always, as our representative, our redeemer, savior, friend, brother, sister, and so much more.
So when we look at Christ being our intercessor, what does it mean to us as Christians?
Here is food for thought, Christ would have totally forgotten us, if he was a savior who did not follow his own saving work. A doctor that did not intercede to help the patient, would cause tremendous pain and suffering. With Christ being our intercessor, It is by that act that our salvation becomes personal, that we can agree with Paul as he stated in Galations, he “Loved me and gave himself for me.”
A 19th century missionary John Paton quoted a story he heard from his father about Gods miraculous intercession.
I have heard that, in long after years, the worst woman in the village of Torthorwald, then leading an immoral life, but since changed by the grace of God, was known to declare, that the only thing that kept her from despair and from the hell of the suicide, was when in the dark winter nights she crept close up underneath my fathers window, and heard him pleading in family worship that God would convert “the sinner from the error of wicked ways and polish him as a jewel for the Redeemers crown” “I felt,” she said, “that I was a burden on that good man’s heart, and I knew that God would not disappoint him. That thought kept me out of Hell, and at last led me to the only Savior.”
If not for Christ being our intercessor friends, this women would have had no hope but to die. And most importantly die without hope of God is to be lost eternally.
What Christ did for us on the Cross, conquers all things, past, present and future. Listen to what Scripture tells us, “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” At all costs, Christ is our intercessor friends! Our ever present help in all our needs, and never, ever expires.
How many know or realize, when you purchase something, just as soon as you buy it, its already becoming obsolete or out of date. It is proven that when you purchase a new car, as soon as you drive it off the lot, the value already starts to reduce! However, that same car, years later, can be valued as a antique. Strange how things work right? Although an antique may or may not have more value than the original car, notice there was a time that the value did change! That is NOT what happens where Christ is concerned. Gods value to us and for us never changes.
Listen to the words from epistle of Hebrews, “For, on the one hand, there is the nullification of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, there is the introduction of a better hope, through which we come near to God. And to the extent that it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); by the same extent Jesus also has become the [i]guarantee of a better covenant. The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Did you hear that? The word Intercession or Intercede means to “intervene” or to “mediate.” Christ “always lives to intercede” on our behalf. Before Christ came, a mediator or priest was needed to act as a “go between” uniting man with God. The priest became a middle man taking the petitions of each sinner to the throne of God’s grace.
As I mentioned earlier about buying a car, it is frustrating a process in purchasing that car isn’t it?. It seems that at every dealership there is a middle man that we have to encounter. He takes our offer to someone else and then returns with the answer. It seems that we are never allowed to talk directly to the person who can make the deal. It is frustrating to play the game of indirect communication. Christ is a shining example that states clearly to us who believe, “Those who sees the son sees the father!”
Inclosing friends let us remember that Christ comes to offer constant communication. He continues to petition God for our needs; he continues to provide the atonement for our sins. It is as if Christ says to God over and over again, “I know this man; he is one of mine.” Christ intercedes on our behalf constantly; he mediates the relationship between God and man.
Look at the Prophet Job. In the story, before Satan could do anything, God had to give the permission. That is exactly what happens to us today! There is a valuable reason for all that we go through.
I want you to notice something very important here friends, just as Christ offers communication with us, we too need to communicate, ready and willing to do our part.
Lean on him! Trust in him! Remember friends, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not love you today and tomorrow throw you to the curb. You can fully depend on our savior that offerered to all mankind the perfect sacrifice to cover all sins, past, present and future. Never give up, Never surrender! Hear the words from 2 Timonthy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Amen.