QR592.PDF - Trinitarian Bible Society (Australia)

Two Gracious Intercessorsby the Rev. G. Hamstraa Vice-President of the Societythe Spirit itself maketh intercession for usChrist…also maketh intercession for usRomans 8.26,34When Jacob’s favourite son was a humble captive in Egypt’s foremostprison, he met Pharaoh’s butler and baker. Joseph soughtto comfort these two men who were troubled by anxious visionarydreams. Shortly after a faithful interpretation, the butler received hisliberty. He was exalted to his former position, just like Joseph had predicted.The butler promised to remember Joseph before Pharaoh, but hedid not keep his word (Genesis 40.23). It was like the old saying goes, ‘outof sight, out of mind’.When the King of the church left this earthly scene and ascended intoheaven, He met with nothing but glory. However, He was and is not likethe faithless butler who forgot the innocent prisoner. On the contrary,Christ constantly remembers His needy flock here below. A follower ofthe Lamb of God may always be assured of the loving care of the compassionateHigh Priest. ‘In all their affliction he was afflicted’ (Isaiah 63.9).Christ sympathises with every needy sinner who trusts in Him. ‘He everliveth to make intercession for them’ (Hebrews 7.25).In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul alludes to the various infirmities of thebeliever in Christ. A child of God may be bowed down under affliction’ssmarting rod, yet he is never alone. He receives Heaven’s sympathy andsupport. Christ, the sympathetic High Priest, ever pleads the cause of Hisown. The Holy Spirit renders His gracious assistance as well. ‘Likewisethe Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we shouldpray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us withgroanings which cannot be uttered’ (verse 26). Thus the believer has twogracious Intercessors. Christ makes intercession above, in the court ofHis heavenly Father. At the same time, the Holy Spirit makes intercessionhere below, in the heart of the believer.The Apostle Paul certainly was an experienced believer. Nevertheless,when he prayed, he realised that he needed the Spirit’s aid. Does not every13