Accusers—Intercessors

Accusers—Intercessors

Jesus intercedes for us; Satan accuses us. What do we do? Satan is not ashamed to go right up to God’s throne to accuse the saints; neither is he ashamed to step right up to any person at all with his accusing spirit. Unfortunately, most people open their hearts and ears to him, and the spirit of accusation gains easy access; as a result, it passes quickly from one person to the next. In this spirit of accusation the most miserable wretch of a person immediately feels that he is head and shoulders above the most God-fearing brothers and sisters. Without fear he sets himself up as a judge over everyone and everything. However, these accusers will sooner or later be cast down like lightning from their heights, just like their accusing brother, Satan.

True intercessors are constantly pressing in before the Father’s throne with the need of the people on their hearts. They will also keep their place at the Father’s throne for all eternity together with our most excellent intercessor, Jesus Christ, who never tires of interceding for us.

The apostles gave themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4. They gave priority to the ministry of prayer. Nothing will ever come of the ministry of the word if the ministry of prayer does not have priority in our lives.

True intercessors have a share in the most exalted ministry because they are always close to the Father’s heart, moving Him to stretch out His mighty arm as it is needed anywhere in the entire world. Many a sailor can relate how he was marvelously saved at the very moment when his mother or father was lying in their prayer chamber, interceding for him. Abraham’s continual prayer would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if ten righteous people had been found there. Through Moses’ intercession all of the people of Israel were spared from being slain in the desert. He prayed untiringly for this stubborn people. Samuel had the same noble mind of prayer, and we read that the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

In the old covenant Moses and Samuel were among the intercessors who were closest to God’s heart. Again and again the Lord stretched out His mighty hand and acted in goodness and mercy toward Israel according to the sincere prayers of these men. God helped them as much as He could when these men prayed. But there was one incident when ungodliness was so great and the people had hardened themselves so much that the Lord said, “Though Moses and Samuel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be favorable toward this people.” Jer. 15:1.

Paul exhorts that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. Paul prayed without ceasing for each church and for each individual member in the church. He remembered Timothy in his prayers night and day, without ceasing. Epaphras strove just like Paul in his prayers for the Colossians. Jesus prayed for His enemies while they were crucifying Him. Stephen prayed for his enemies even while he was being stoned, as they raged against him in their anger.

Even in our days great things will happen if we wake up to faith in the great and necessary ministry of intercession. Everyone can be along in this exalted ministry. It is a labor, but it is also the most fruitful, rewarding, and blessed labor there is. By praying for the others, we ourselves are blessed correspondingly.

Through intercession let us move God’s power over towns and villages where the brothers are laboring, over churches, homes, and individuals—all according to need.