Jesus' Intercessory Prayer

Do you know what I mean by a "portable lighthouse"? Just in case you do not, I mean one of those lightboats. The kind that gets anchored in dangerouss areas that have no place to plant a regular lighthouse.

Portable lighthouses have mobility. They can be moved from Point A to at least Point B. I can imagine your incredulity if I assured you that as soon as they see a storm coming up, they quickly move that portable lighthouse out of danger. Why do we find such a notion preposterous? Because we understand the function and purpose of any lighthouse. And we know a storm does nothing to diminish the need; rather, tempestuous conditions and darkness alike magnify the need.

Of course the caretakers of this special vessel will do all they can to make sure it will stay afloat and lit no matter what. They certainly will not leave their portable lighthouse to its own devices.

Jesus seems to have a similar concern in our current memory selection. His prayer was not that His portable lighthouses should be removed from an increasingly hazardous environment. His prayer was that they would stay afloat and lit. He wants to keep us from the evil that would sink us in sin, leading to great loss of life. He wants to keep us from the evil that would dim and extinguish our light, also leading to great loss of life.

Yes, with Christ in my (portable lighthouse) vessel I can smile at the storm. And I can smile through the storm. And I can smile at the storm-tossed sailors out there. That by no means suggests I enjoy the storm. In fact, I get sea sick quite easily (even just riding a swing); I get sick of all the struggles in this sin-tossed world. But even though the tempest is raging, the Master is aboard...and He cares that I might perish...and that others might perish.

My friend, believe me; when Jesus cares, He cares! Not just in a sentimental, sad sort of way. He cares actively. Praise the Lord, He has made every provision that I might survive...and that others might survive because of His light shining forth through me.

Jesus interceded for His disciples back then...and He continues that active caring for us today. Right now. Let me remind us of that:

"...The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26).

"...He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27).

"...Christ...who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

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