1 Timothy 2: 1-15
Wednesday, 08 March 2023
"For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. -1 Timothy 2: 4,5[NLT]
Intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of a mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament times- Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel were intercessors too in their own way. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate Intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
In Vs 1-3 of today’s passage, we are called to pray for everyone and to ask God for help and bless on behalf others; also we should offer thanksgiving to God for all. We are to offer intercessory prayers for all in authority- Kings, Presidents, Prime ministers, etc, friends (Job 42:8), fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1), the sick (James 5:14), enemies (Jeremiah 29:7), those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44) those who forsake us (2Timothy 4:16), and all men (1Timothy 2:1). Believers are committed to prayers for the calm and stability among the ruling class. This kind of prayer is good and it pleases God our Saviour.
God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth that there is only one God and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus gave himself as a ransom to rescue all of us (Vs.3-6). The Bible is clear that all believers are called to be intercessors. All believers have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and, just as He intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27), we are to intercede for one another. This is not a privilege limited to an exclusive Christians, this is a command to all. In fact, not to intercede for others is sin. "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23).
Paul who was both an Apostle and preacher sought prayer on his behalf from all the Roman believers in (Romans 15:30). He also urged the Colossians to intercede for him in (Colossians 4:2-3) and desires therefore that “the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Tim.2:8). He likewise exhorts women to dress modestly, adorning themselves “with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (V.10). Holiness, faith and modesty are key requirements in approaching the place of prayer for ourselves and others.
As you read this today, ask the Lord to bring to your mind people you need to pray for—those known to you that need to be saved; those people of authority in your nation and your place of work; those who are in the Lord’s work known to you; the global situation we face today—may you intercede for them through the Holy Spirit as you offer your prayer to the Lord Almighty!
PRAYER: Dear LORD GOD, grant unto us the grace to lift holy hands without wrath, in prayers for ourselves and others in different situations and places, that Your mercy and kindness will flow into our lives- in Jesus name, Amen!