Partnering with Jesus in the Place of Prayer

The world is facing an enemy right now. This enemy does not care about social status, race, religion, or political affiliation. Everyone is under attack. The largest cities in the United States are getting hit hard right now. We are being told the best way to stay safe and keep others safe is to stay home and avoid contact with anyone outside of our immediate family. Thank God for the people on the front lines of this pandemic; the doctors, nurses, scientists, etc.

As disciples of Jesus, we should not merely sit back, watch the news, get caught up in social media or the newest Netflix binge. The hope we carry and the Kingdom that we stand on are unshakeable. Let us not get complacent and feel we don’t have a way to help. We are not defenseless as we have the whole armor of God and His holy spirit in us. We are to be watchful so that we know how to pray by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I believe we have a responsibility to intercede on behalf of those facing this pandemic. We can provide immeasurable support to those on the frontlines with prayers and intercession. We should contend for and believe in the healing of all of those infected and protection over their families.

While a pandemic on this scale is something most of us have not experienced, they have occurred numerous times throughout history. Time and time again, we see how God’s people stood in the place of prayer knowing that he is a God who hears them and responds by holding back the plague and healing the land.

When a plague broke out among the Israelites in the desert, Aaron demonstrated intercession as a type and shadow of Christ our High Priest who makes intercession for us, and also foreshadowed us as a royal priesthood standing in the gap for others. The imagery in Numbers 16 is vivid. 

“Aaron took incense and made atonement for the people. He stood between the dead and the living and the plague stopped.”  ~ Numbers 16:47

“Fire of the Atonement” [Aaron and the Plague] (1896-1900) by James Tissot, Public Domain via Wikiart.org

As you go to pray this week, remember the authority that you have been given as a royal priesthood. You have been chosen to partner with Jesus in the place of prayer.

He moves on behalf of your prayers and His arm is not too short to save. At times you may feel that you’ve prayed everything there is to pray, but remember when you've done all, stand firm and remain strong in the faith. In our prayers we can stand between the dead and the living and see this pandemic stopped. Not only that, but I believe this is a time of re-seeding for the Church. Even in our isolation, the Gospel is being proclaimed. Hearts are turning to Jesus. His name will be lifted up and he will be glorified.

- Jon