Topical Bible: Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous

Bible > Topical > Intercession

◄ Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Intercession, in the biblical context, refers to the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, particularly through prayer. The intercessional influence of the righteous is a profound theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the power and efficacy of the prayers of those who walk in righteousness before God.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of righteous individuals whose intercessory prayers had significant impact. Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah is a notable instance. In Genesis 18:23-32, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if righteous individuals can be found within them. His persistent intercession demonstrates the potential of the righteous to influence divine judgment: "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" (Genesis 18:25).

Moses also exemplifies the power of intercession. When the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, Moses interceded on their behalf, appealing to God's promises and character. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses' prayer results in the Lord relenting from the disaster He had threatened. This narrative underscores the role of the righteous as mediators who can appeal to God's mercy and covenant faithfulness.

The Role of the Prophets

The prophets frequently engaged in intercessory prayer, often standing in the gap between God and the people. Jeremiah, despite the impending judgment on Judah, was instructed to pray for the people (Jeremiah 7:16). Similarly, Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:3-19 is a profound example of intercession, as he confesses the sins of Israel and pleads for God's mercy and restoration.

Ezekiel 22:30 highlights the scarcity of intercessors: "I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it, but I found no one." This verse emphasizes the critical need for righteous intercessors who can avert judgment through their prayers.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm the intercessional influence of the righteous. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate intercessor, as He continually intercedes for believers at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). His high priestly prayer in John 17 is a profound example of intercession, as He prays for His disciples and all future believers.

The apostle James underscores the power of righteous prayer in James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This statement affirms that the prayers of those who live in accordance with God's will are both powerful and effective.

The Church's Call to Intercession

The early church recognized the importance of intercession, as seen in the communal prayers for Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5). Paul frequently requested prayers from the churches, acknowledging the vital role of intercession in the life of the believer and the mission of the church (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:3).

Believers are called to intercede for all people, including those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Conclusion

The intercessional influence of the righteous is a testament to the profound relationship between God and His people. Through the prayers of the righteous, divine intervention is sought, mercy is extended, and the purposes of God are advanced in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:26,29,30,32
And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 19:22
Haste you, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till you be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 26:4,5,24
And I will make your seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give to your seed all these countries; and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 11:12,13,34
Notwithstanding in your days I will not do it for David your father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of your son.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 8:19
Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him always a light, and to his children.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 21:7
However, the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 103:17,18
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on them that fear him, and his righteousness to children's children;
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:35
For I will defend this city to save it for my own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 5:1
Run you to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if you can find a man, if there be any that executes judgment, that seeks the truth; and I will pardon it.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 14:14,16,18,20
Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, said the Lord GOD.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 11:27,28
For this is my covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 8:3,4
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.
Nave's Topical Index