March 12 - When Jesus Stands in the Gap

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. — Hebrews 9:24 (KJV)

Our precious Redeemer stands before the Father as our Intercessor. Those who seek to meet the divine standard should diligently study the Scriptures to understand the life, mission, and work of Christ. They should behold Him as their Advocate within the veil, holding the golden censer from which the holy incense of His righteousness ascends before God on behalf of those who pray to Him. If they could see Him in this role, they would be assured that they have a mighty and influential Advocate in the courts of heaven, and their petitions are granted before the throne of God.

What a profound experience awaits those who draw near to the throne of mercy—the only secure refuge! One can have the certainty that God honors His promises and need not fear the outcome of their prayers or doubt that Jesus is their surety and substitute. When we confess our sins and repent of our iniquities, Christ takes upon Himself our guilt and imputes to us His righteousness and power. To those who are contrite in spirit, He bestows the golden oil of His love and the rich treasures of His grace. Then we understand that the surrender of self to God, through the merits of Christ, grants us infinite worth. Clothed in the righteousness of Christ, we become the sons and daughters of God. Those who approach the Father, holding to the promise of His mercy, and seek forgiveness in the name of Jesus will receive what they ask. At the very first expression of repentance, Christ presents the prayer of the humble seeker before the throne as His own desire for the sinner. He declares, “I will pray the Father for you” (John 16:26, KJV).

Jesus, our precious Savior, could not bear to see us exposed to the deadly snares of Satan without making an infinite sacrifice on our behalf. He stands between Satan and the tempted soul, declaring, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23, KJV). He draws near to the struggling believer, shielding them with His presence. He has compassion for every trembling supplicant. He loves them and intercedes for them with divine grace and power.