👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾The Mystery of the #Saints’ #Intercession in the #Old and #New #Testaments
(Part 7)
Beloved in Christ,The intercession of the saints is a radiant thread woven through both the Old and New Testaments, revealing the mercy of God and the power of prayer offered by His faithful servants. From Abraham, who stood before God for nations, to the apostles, through whose prayers the sick were healed and the earth itself trembled, the Lord has shown that the prayers of the righteous are never in vain. Through them, sinners find mercy, and the faithful are strengthened in hope. Let us now behold this holy mystery, that we may learn how God works through His saints to pour out His grace upon His people.
The Intercession of Saints in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the holy people of God kings, prophets, and priests served as intercessors between God and His people. Through their prayers, blessings were poured out, mercy was granted, and peace and deliverance were given to the nation. The Scriptures reveal many examples that show how the prayers of the righteous brought salvation and favor upon others.
Abraham, the Father of Faith:
King Abimelech and his entire household were saved from the wrath of God through the prayer of Abraham. Abraham’s intercession turned divine judgment into mercy, showing that the prayer of a righteous person has great power before God.
✍🏾 Abraham’s Prayer for Sarah:
When Sarah was taken by King Abimelech, God protected her because of Abraham’s prayer. As it is written, “Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bore children” (Genesis 20:17–18).
✍🏾 Isaac’s Prayer for Rebekah:
Rebekah, who was barren, conceived through the intercession of her husband Isaac. Scripture records, “Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived” (Genesis 25:19–26). Through his faith and prayer, the Lord opened her womb and continued His covenant promise.
✍🏾 Moses and Pharaoh:
Even Pharaoh, though hardened in heart, turned to Moses and Aaron during times of suffering, saying, “Pray for me.” (Exodus 8:10). Though Pharaoh’s repentance was false, it reveals that even the ungodly recognized the power of the righteous to intercede with God.
✍🏾 Moses’ Intercession for Israel:
During their journey through the wilderness, the Israelites received food, water, and deliverance through Moses’ constant intercession. When the people murmured in thirst at Marah and Massah, Moses cried to the Lord, and God sweetened the bitter waters and brought forth water from the rock (Exodus 15:22–25; 17:1–7).
✍🏾Victory through Prayer:
When Israel fought against the Amalekites, they triumphed through the intercession of Moses. As long as Moses’ hands were raised in prayer, Israel prevailed; when he lowered them, the enemy advanced. So Aaron and Hur supported his hands until the sun set, and the people of God won the battle (Exodus 17:8–13).
✍🏾 Forgiveness through Intercession:
When the people sinned, God was moved by Moses’ plea and said, “I have forgiven according to your word” (Numbers 14:20). Thus the Lord revealed His mercy in response to the prayer of His servant, showing that the intercession of the righteous brings forgiveness and peace.
✍🏾 Jeremiah’s Intercession:
In the time of captivity, the prophet Jeremiah interceded for Israel. Though the nation had fallen into Babylonian bondage, God accepted Jeremiah’s prayer and promised deliverance, saying, “Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; for I am with you to save you and to deliver you from his hand” (Jeremiah 42:1–11).
Through these examples, we see that the saints of the Old Testament acted as mediators of divine mercy. Their prayers reached heaven and moved the hand of God to Mercy.
Continues 👇🏾