I’ve been counseling individuals and working with the judicial system for almost twenty years. In the courts in the event of abuse or divorce, when there are questions about what’s in the best interest for a child, a Guardian Ad Litem is often appointed. The job of the Guardian Ad Litem is to get all the facts together in a case by interviewing everyone involved and make a petition to the judge in regards to the child in question. This role often reminds me of Jesus, who, sitting at the right hand of God, makes intercession for us.
Romans 8:34 says, “…Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Like a Guardian Ad Litem, Jesus advocates for our best interest, always praying God’s will in our lives, but the truth is, He does even more than that. Not only does He pray for God’s best in our lives, He died for our lives, setting us free so we could fulfill His will.
Have you ever wondered what specifically Jesus’ will is and what He prays for us? The Bible gives us some indication. In John 17 Jesus prayed for four things for His disciples.
First, Jesus prayed for their protection. He said, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name…” (v. 11). He prays protection for us because He knows we battle against our flesh, the world, and the enemy of our souls.
Next, Jesus asked God to, “…sanctify them by the truth, your Word is truth” (v.17). To sanctify is to “set apart for a special purpose”. We are set apart by the truths found in God’s Word.
Then, our Savior asked for unity amongst the body of Christ. He said, “May they be brought into complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (v.23). Our unity as the Body of Christ is a testament to the unsaved of His love.
Finally, Jesus wanted us to be one with Him, feeling His presence and seeing His glory. In verse 24, He said, “I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me.” This sentence is a beautiful example of the intimacy Christ desires of us; to be One with Him, to see and experience His glory through our relationship with Him.
What joy it is to know that on this journey of life we have a King that not only died for us, His servants, but continues to intervene for each of us twenty-four hours each day of the week; when we are weary, when we are strong, when we sin and when we are tempted, when our walk is cold or when it is hot, and more.
Christ Jesus is the ultimate Guardian Ad Litem, intervening and interceding for our best interest without fail. Bask in that truth and thank Him for crying out for you when you are too busy to do so, when you are too prideful to ask, when you are full of shame and are afraid, or when you are in pain and sorrow and can’t. He is faithful and always interceding for our best interest, which is always God’s will.
No comments:
Post a Comment