|
The Epaphras Pattern For Intercession
by Rev. Dr. R. B. Silverson Intercession from a Christian parlance is the act of saying a prayer on behalf of another. It is a beautiful and fragrant action that flows out of a selfless heart, munificent spirit, and solicitous thoughts about others. Indeed, for all the unspeakable joys of the world, having the pleasant privilege to pray for another person has to count as being something of phenomenal value and perdurable benefit. Applicable in our workaday world today is Apostle Paul's arresting lamentation that "all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:21 NKJV) (1). Unfortunately we have become very inward looking and self-centred, and most do not seek other people's interest but theirs. This clearly contradicts Scripture's candid advice to us, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). Without a modicum of a doubt, one of the best and truest ways we can look to other people's interest is through the wonderful act of interceding for them. In a deep sense, intercession is a special privilege, and it's one that we must all earnestly covet and cultivate. Today, we can learn from a great exampleEpaphras. His name means charming, lovely or foamy. Paul referred to him as a dear servant and faithful minister of Christ. Indeed, he modelled a sterling character and an exemplary lifestyle. Colossians 4:12-13 presents a very worthy account for our attention and consideration. It reads: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis." From the text above we may discern that intercession follows zeal for someone, like day follows night. If we are truly zealous for people, we will pray for them. True intercession can only emerge from a heart that goes beyond sympathy and moves into empathy. If we can feel other people's burdens, then we will find ourselves bearing them up in our prayers. And this example we may glean from the actions of Epaphras. Moreover, an important point that should strike us is the use of the expression, "always laboring fervently for you in prayers." As per this phrase, anyone who desires to intercede for another person must pause and think. Intercession is something that requires more than zeal for something to occur in a person's life, and then left at that, hoping that something occurs when it does. In truth, it requires that we are ready to commit the time and effort to pray, and not just pray, but also to sustain our prayersthis is where it gets tricky. Praying for someone on a particular day, or once, or twice, that we will do well to do; but the real test lies in maintaining the fervency and intensity of our prayers. Are we ready to always labour in prayer? This particular point is the crossroad that separates casual intercessors from great and committed ones. And such vital dedication requires the grace of God for sustenance. As every true intercessor has noticed by now, the going can get tough and there are times when one would even question whether their prayers are being answered or perhaps hitting a brick wall. Thus, it is right that intercessors rely on God's help to keep digging deeper and deeper; else they would be overwhelmed by the weight of the issue they seek change for. In fact, this might just crush their willingness to continue in prayer: they will simply faint and fade away. Another important point we may learn from Epaphras' example is one that will influence what we pray about. Does an intercessor just pray for what the people want to see happen or what God wants for their lives? And this in itself is a thorny issue as many people being interceded for, usually want one thing: what they want! But if any intercessor is to follow the impressive example of Epaphras, then they must equally pray that those they intercede for "may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." That is the difference. And my book, The 4 Most Important Prayers Guaranteed To Change You shows what perhaps is the most important aspect of every prayer, even beyond faith, and this is equally shown in the text above. If we are to follow Epaphras' example and see changes in the lives of those we pray for, then our prayers have to be in line with what God expects for them, and not just what will satisfy them. And in case we are feeling like giving up interceding for people, we should remember our true role. We are like the daysmen that Job mentions (Job 9:33); and what's more, we occupy a great position which, if we continue to keep faithfully will prove beneficial in many respects. Let's hear what God has to say about intercessors from Ezekiel 32:29-31: "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,' says the Lord God." Truly a faithful and committed intercessor will avert much disaster and trouble. To all intercessors out there, let's continue the good work with titanic force and indomitable determination as aided by the Holy Spirit. And to those only praying for themselves, seriously consider becoming intercessors, today. You will scale the great barrier of selfishness and experience the dizzy heights of pleasure gained through the knowledge of making a powerful contribution towards changing lives by your prayers. Finally, for all those who labour in prayer for others like Epaphras did; here is a sound encouragement to bestir you to pursue this noteworthy devotion and dedication with a renewed vim, vigour, and vitality: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Blessings, R. B. Silverson A servant informing, motivating, and transforming lives for God's glory. Rev. Dr. R. B. Silverson is president of RBSM (www.rbsmin.com); a ministry Informing, Motivating, and Transforming lives for God's glory. He is the author of The 4 Most Important Prayers Guaranteed To Change You, The Guaranteed Secret, and Season of Solutions 1 & 2. You can write to him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @DrRBSilverson. Notes All Scriptures are from New King James Version (NKJV). The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. NB: Originally posted on www.rbsilverson.com. Visit for more articles. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |