THE CURRENT MINISTRY OF JESUS

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:25-26, NKJV).

Devotion 6 of 11

High Priest of good things to come

Christ's High Priesthood is securing the future for believers. He is presently giving us a`sampling of the bountiful harvest to come. Those that become anchored to this world forfeit the`ministry of Jesus. He has left this world to prepare a place for us. "But Christ being come an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more`perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building" (Heb 9:11). Jesus is now in a "greater and more perfect" environment. He is presently dispensing`heavenly samples to those that have become strangers and pilgrims in the earth. He deals in`"good things to come." The Spirit, peace, joy, righteousness, and comfort; they are all specimens of "good things to come." That is a current ministry, and is glorious.

No condemnation!

Present freedom from condemnation is owing to the present ministry of Jesus. He died! He was raised! He is exalted! But He is also making intercession for us! No one can condemn us because He died for us! No one can condemn us because He rose from the dead for our justification! No one can condemn us because He has been exalted above every name that is named! No one can condemn us because He is presently making intercession for us! "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Rom 8:34).

An example of His intercession

The effectuality of Christ's intercession can be seen in the occasion of Peter's denial. Jesus knew Peter was going to deny Him, although Peter thought it impossible. After all the Lord had done for Peter, a denial was inexcusable, and unspeakably serious. Yet, the love of Christ rose to the occasion, providing an example of His powerful intercession. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32). How do you account for Peter's remarkable recovery? It was because of Christ's prayer for him--that his faith would not fail. Jesus knew the circumstances that awaited Peter, and He knew Satan's objective in them. He also knew the weakness of Peter, and what he would do. Notice, Jesus did not pray that Peter would be delivered from the circumstances. He did not even pray that Peter would not deny Him. Rather, He prayed that his faith would not fail--and it did not! That night Peter became a bruised reed, but Christ did not break him. He became smoking flax, but Jesus did not quench him! He prayed that his faith would not fail; that he would be able to recover from a serious setback! Christ's current ministry involves similar things for you. He knows the circumstances that are ahead for you. He also knows the Tempter's designs to bring you down. But He is praying for you also, that your faith will not fail. Rest assured, without that current ministry, your faith would fail! Thank God, Jesus is still interceding for us!

-- TOMORROW: MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT --