Have you ever had someone plead your case for you?  Lawyers do it all the time.  They are hired by those who have been accused of wrongdoing either in a criminal or civil case.  In most cases the intent is to ensure that the one being represented is not punished, regardless of guilt or innocence.  This act is as close to intercession as you can get and still be wrong.  They have something at stake in that they are being compensated for their actions.

In Genesis chapter 18, we see an excellent example of intercession by none other than Abraham, the father of God’s people.  When told by God that the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah had come before Him, Abraham immediately appealed to the justice of God.  “Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?”  Immediately the request was made of God to spare the cities if 50 righteous are found.  Then the request was lowered to 45, then 40, 30, 20, and finally stopped at 10.  At each, the answer from a just and merciful God was, “No, I will not destroy it on account of the (number represented).”  It was indeed unfortunate that not even ten righteous could be found for we know that the cities were destroyed, with the exception of Lot, his wife (initially) and two daughters.

I remember a situation in my military career when I was caught sleeping when I shouldn’t have been.  My supervisor, in detecting my transgression, also violated set procedures.  As I was guilty, I accepted my punishment without objection, however, when our superintendent received word of what had occurred, he “interceded” on my behalf.  In requesting the punishment be rescinded, he made an offer that couldn’t be refused and as a result that blemish on my record was removed.

Just as Abraham interceded for the unrighteous of Sodom and Gomorrah, we too have an intercessor.  He is none other than God’ own Son, Jesus of Nazareth.  After His death on the cross He rose again to make intercession for those who would trust Him and put their faith in the cleansing power of His shed blood.  Shouldn’t you accept His intercession and have the blemishes of your sin cleansed before it’s too late?

Copyright © 2003, Nolan P. Rutter