Saturday, May 24, 2008

9 Years Happier

Jonathan and I just celebrated our 9th anniversary this week.
We took some time to look back, reflect, laugh and remember some of the goofy things and experiences we have had in the last 9 years together.
On our anniversary night we watched our wedding video and laughed till our eyes watered. What a goofy and fun day. We were surrounded by such wonderful friends and family in our wedding party and our guests. I can happily say that we are almost in contact with everyone still and have been blessed with good relationships.
So much has changed for us and for those around us in the last 9 years but God has been continuously in charge and present, actively engaging us and calling us to a deeper relationship with him.
We are grateful to Him for everything and look forward to the next 9 years together. Who knows what will happen next!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Christ as my Intercessor

This week I have been studying about Christ ascended and what he is actively doing in heaven right now. One of his roles is as an intercessor for me. Funny that I have known this but have never meditated on this. As you read this you may think, "duh!" But it was a fresh revelation and blessing to me this week. Bear with my slow brain and growing faith! ;-)
In the old testament God was often prevailed upon by one of his fleshly servants interceding for the rest of poor, dumb, blind humanity. I think especially of Moses interceding for Israel when God wanted to obliterate them after they let their hearts follow adulterous ways. God repented from his desire to destroy them after Moses spoke on their behalf. God was so holy and pure he could not abide with their sinful ways yet in his love and compassion he listened to the intercession and forgave once again. God is magnificent, holy and completely pure. Not to be trifled with or held in minimal esteem. He is above all and we need to have more awe of him. Obviously Moses got that and intervened on others behalf for forgiveness when they did not.
In the new testament, Christ came and changed everything by fulfilling the law. It says in John 1:17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." He was the complete one time for all sins sacrifice that God accepted. When he ascended back to heaven after fulfilling his earthly high priest role of offering the only needed sacrifice, he took up the role of intercessor. Hebrews 7:24-26 says it perfectly "but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." So I am covered with the blood that sets me free and Christ literally makes intercession for me daily with God the holy, pure, father. I am no different than the poor old Israelites whose hearts were constantly lead away but I have the complete intercessor who has 100% access and the right to appear before the Father on my behalf. He stands at his father's right hand and says "this one is mine and I am standing in the gap for her" to the holy, awesome, magnificent GOD of all creation! This blows my mind and knocks my socks off!!!!!! WOW.
Jesus is my eternal greatest gift and all I can do is bow in worship before the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I can't say it any more beautifully than Job.

Job 16:19-21 NIV
"Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend."