Hello Beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we finished a study on the sovereign titles of Jesus as the “Oikodespotes,” which means Master of the house. This month, we move to reflect on what Elmer Towns calls the service names or the “assistance names” for Jesus. These titles, as signified by the word “assistance,” relate to Jesus’ current ministry in “assisting” us as we live the Christian life. Paul states in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20 (ESV).
The first assistance name or title given to Jesus is that of “Intercessor.” The writer of Hebrews clearly depicts this title by describing Christ’s high priestly role in heaven when he writes, “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). In Jesus’ intercession, or His prayer on our behalf, Christ seeks our perseverance in the faith and our resilience no matter whatever trials and struggles we may encounter. Christ is the once for all sacrifice through whom we have access to God (Hebrews 7:27), yet He is in constant prayer for us, interceding for every aspect of our Spiritual well-being. As Paul reminds us, this priestly intercessor is “Christ Jesus . . . the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” Romans 8:34 (ESV). It was Job who cried in the midst of great difficulty, “O that a man might plead with God as a man with his neighbor!” Job 16:21 (NASB95). This mediator between God and man is none other than Jesus, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV). Kent Hughes gives this illustration:
St. Chrysostom, the great fourth-century preacher, provides a helpful analogy. A young boy whose father was away on a trip wanted to present his father with something that would please him. His mother sent him to the garden to gather a bouquet of flowers. The little boy gathered a sorry bouquet of weeds as well as flowers. But when his father returned home, he was presented with a beautifully arranged bouquet, for the mother had intervened, removing all the weeds.The prayers of the church, prevailing, acceptable, and fruitful as they are, are not a thing of beauty as they leave the lips of saints. As they start their way heavenward, they are a mixed bag of weeds with a few stray flowers. When they arrive, however, thanks to the intercession of Christ they are nothing but beautiful flowers. What blessed, comforting thoughts these are as we, amidst our frailties, pray. There is a beautiful aroma from Jesus’ perfect prayers, offered confidently as he sits at the right hand of God. Every prayer hits the mark and graces our lives. The reason he can save us completely is that truly “he always lives to intercede” for us. Though we are finite, he is infinite. Though we are temporal, he is eternal. He prays with the ease of omniscience and omnipotence perfected through his own human suffering. He is praying for us right now! (Kent Hughes . . . An Anchor for the Soul)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
(Much of the content of this newsletter is taken from Elmer Towns The Names of Jesus)