A Priest for The World

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5

This verse in Mark (also found in Luke 5:20 and Matthew 9:2) has always been a favorite of mine. Four men cared so much about their paralyzed friend they were willing to risk climbing onto and tearing through the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching. I am sure there would have been a legal issue with damaging someone’s home. The four men were so passionate about making sure their friend came to Jesus it was worth the risk.

 What Jesus does is shocking. He does not heal the man right away but He forgives his sins. Not only that, he forgives the man’s sins because of the faith of his four friends. He did not forgive the man’s sins because of his own faith, but because his friends had faith. Is it possible that the salvation of those around me could be dependent on my faith? No I can’t offer salvation to anyone. Only Jesus can do that. However, God is consistent throughout the Bible; he always works through people to accomplish His work.

 The Apostle Peter declared that we are a Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:1-2). In the Old Testament the Priest was someone who went before God on the behalf of others. Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies in order to atone for the sins of all of Israel. The people could not go own their own; someone had to go for them. Now because of Jesus we are Royal Priest. We can go to God on our own behalf through Jesus Christ.

Who do we stand in for? We are called to go before God on behalf of those who do not know Jesus. Our prayers should be filled with the names of the people we know that need Jesus in their life.

 Let me be clear, I am not assuming that just because we pray for them they are automatically saved. They still need to make that choice themselves. However, we must be passionate in praying for those who risk dying without knowing Jesus as their Lord. A passion and urgency needs to rise up within us to do whatever it takes for them to find forgiveness of their sins and eternal life.

People are dying around us and going to hell because we take lightly the call to stand in for them. I pray that Jesus will cause to grow within us a passion to pray for and to witness to those who are far from Him.

 Life matters – Our words and good works speak loudly – Some will condemn us but others will be drawn into salvation by the Holy Spirit working through us – Remember we are the influencers. – Salvation of others does depend on us.

 How will you take your community before God for their salvation?

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.