Sermon Series: “Oh, What A Friend We Have In Jesus!”
June 22, 2025
Sermon Part 10: “Jesus Christ Is Our Faithful Friend and Great High Priest!”
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Prov.18:24)
Historians, both Christian and non-Christian, agree that there is evidence Jesus Christ lived on earth around 2,000 years ago. Do you know what our “Friend” Jesus has been doing for us daily since His Resurrection and Ascension to the right- hand throne of God the Father?
Christ’s work at the right hand throne of God reveals a vital work that we are to be doing as well. For as Jesus is, so are we in this world. (I John 4:17)
Praise the Lord Saints and Happy Sunday!
Introduction
Let me start this last Sermon in the Series entitled, “Oh What A Friend We Have in Jesus” with a story about my friend and mentor Bishop Larry Dempsey. Larry is what I call my “Ace-Friend;” and we have been friends for more than 60-years. But, please allow me to Side-Bar for a moment. Praise God, let me also add that I have an even closer and much greater Friend than Larry. Jesus Christ is my “Best Friend,” in whom I have had the privilege of knowing as my personal Savior and Lord since the tender age of 6. And, it is my personal testimony that Jesus sticks closer than a brother.
I know this to be so, not just because the Holy Bible says so, but I know this because Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God lives within my Heart. And, since a little child with great joy-bells ringing in my heart I have been singing the famous hymnal, “He Lives.” Saints, read along with me the lyrics of the song, and watch your born-again heart rejoice:
I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
So Saints, Jesus Christ is my “Best-Friend,” and then, Larry is my Ace-Friend. During the 1960’s-1970s, Larry and His family were my neighbors on Varnum Street in North West Washington, D.C. Many days and weekends, Larry and his two brothers fanatically played all types of sports with me and my brother, and a host of other kids in our neighborhood in the alley behind our houses and nearby playgrounds. Larry and most of the other kids were several years older than me, so I was considered as a little brother to them all.
But my relationship with Larry was extra special. It was Larry who reached out and invited me to go with his family to their Church (The Church of Jesus Christ, a small three story-brick residential building in Mid-town Northwest that served as both the Church and parsonage of the Pastor and Assistant Pastor.) Formerly I had attended First Baptist Church and been baptized at the age of 6. But, Larry’s Church was a Pentecostal Church and the Saints there were on fire for God like I had never seen before. I liked the Church so much that I joined the second time I visited, and my relationship with Jesus Christ blossomed and flourished mightily.
Every Sunday, and some weeknights when my parents gave me permission, I went to Church with the Dempsey’s. During my tenure at the Church, which spanned into my teenage years, I thrived in Sunday school, joined the Church Choir and became a Choir Director. I also organized and led our Men’s Choir, served on the Usher Board, and worked as a janitor of the Church.
Also, I have fond memories of routinely eating wonderful lunches and dinners at the Dempsey home with Larry and all the family. No one could fry chicken like Mother Dempsey. A seat was always reserved for me at their table. I grew to love every member of the Dempsey family as if they were my own flesh and blood family. When I was about 11-years old, my mother remarried and our family moved to Southeast Washington, D.C; which was very far away from our Home and Church. For me and my brother and the Dempsey’s, this was a very sad day. In fact, it was the saddest day I had ever experienced in my young life.
However, Larry was determined not to lose touch with me, so he asked my parents if on Sunday mornings he could pick me up for Church. They agreed and every Sunday morning, rain or sunshine, Larry who at that time was age 17, would pick me up for Church and bring me home. He did it happily, and never asked for gas or anything for that matter.
About a year later, I had another very sad day. Larry called and said he had been drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. His older brother Melvin, who I was also very close to had been drafted earlier into the Army and was away at war.
Often, Larry would write me letters which detailed life in the military, and he always inquired how I was doing and offered words of encouragement. I didn’t write him back much though. I guess, I was too busy trying to adjust to living in one of the most dangerous parts of the city and school districts in D.C., which was filled with gangs, crime, and violence. During my High-School years, my grandmother became ill and we moved back to Varnum Street to look after her. The Dempsey family, principally Larry’s sisters gave me rides to Church and I appreciated that.
However, with Melvin and Larry gone, I felt somewhat alone, and began to lose interest in Church. I became more interested in playing sports, and girls in school who were not Christians. I strayed from the Lord and never returned to my home Church. I recall receiving tracks taped to my locker at school from Christians from other Churches that I knew; telling me that I had “backslidden and was on my way to hell.” However, no one from my home Church, not even one of my friends in the Church, nor clergy, reached out to check on me.
For the next 25-years, I walked in the “depths” of the darkness of sin. As a young man, though college educated and a hard worker in my profession, I had completely lost my way and had become a “social drinker,” “clubber,” and “womanizer.” Only Larry continued to write me letters, and by the time he had completed his military service, I had for the most part moved on and decided to discontinue the relationship. The last time I saw Larry was at his wedding to First Lady Beverly held in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Afterwards, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio.
However, Larry never stopped trying to reach out to me. Seemingly, every time I would move or change my phone number, somehow he would find me and call. During our conversations, Larry never questioned my Christian status, admonished me to return to Church, nor did he ever criticize my life-style. Instead, Larry just kept on loving me as a friend. On each of my birthdays for over the last 40-years, Larry has called to sing his personal version of the Happy Birthday song to me.
Also, I recall that at about age 43, after the tragic loss of my brother Duan, I returned to the Lord. Larry attended the Home Going Service and offered remarks. At my brother’s death, I had heard the Lord call me back into His fold. On that blessed day, I experienced the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ so mighty and powerful that He took away all of my sinful desires, and then gave me an assignment to go and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thereafter, it was Larry who saw to my preparation for ordination and flew-in from Cincinnati to install me as a Pastor, in December of 2019. Since that day, and nearly every Sunday afterward, Bishop Larry and I call each other, and the first thing we say as loudly as we can is, “Give God All the Praise!!!”
On August 15th of last year, Larry suffered a major heart attack and required surgery to place stints in his heart. The next day, which was my birthday, Larry called from his hospital bed and sang his special Happy Birthday song! Saints, can you see how “sticky” Larry’s friendship is with me? Can you see how Larry sticks closer to me than a brother? Through thick-and-thin Larry never let go of our friendship. Even more amazing, however, is that there are “churches full” of born-again Christians who have a similar testimony to tell about their friendship with Larry that resemble that of mine!
Saints, please understand Larry’s relationship with me from a spiritual perspective. Larry was not just my Ace-Friend, Larry was sent by God to be my “intercessor.” He served as a peaceful and strong bridge for me to walk back-across to God in Christ. Larry’s devotion to our friendship is highly commendable and reflective of Christ’s Love.
It’s the kind of Love that Christ has for me, and you, and the whole world that never stops being our “Faithful” Friend, who sticks closer than a brother. It’s the kind of Love that leaves the 99-righteous sheep, and goes and searches for the one lost sheep until found, and brings it back into Christ’s fold. (Luke 15:4-7) Though we may stray from God, God never strays from us. (Heb.13:5)
And, throughout my Christian journey I have learned, that God’s mercy and grace applied to us is exceedingly far greater than any sin that His children may subject themselves to for a season. Truly, all things work together for good for those who love the Lord, who are called according to His Purpose. (Rom 8:28) God has zillions of ways to bring us back to Him when we have lost our way. He has multiplied millions of Saints willing to help bear our burdens and cover our sins until we awaken to repent and change from our wicked ways. (Gal. 6:1-2)
Indeed, when I think about my amazing friendship with Jesus, I know that I am eternally in the Palm of His Mighty Hand. At John 10:28-30, Jesus was recorded as saying:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
I and my Father are one.
Praise God, today, notice how close I am to Bishop Larry, and more importantly how close I am with God! I’m holding my Savior’s hand and viewing the Promised Land, there is nothing on earth can stop me from holding my Savior’s hand! There is also nothing within in my power that I would not do for Larry and the Dempsey family. Larry sowed real friendship into my life, and now he reaps real friendship from me; but even in more ways than he can imagine. For his “sticky-style-friendship” has rubbed-off on me to serve as an intercessor for many people all over the world.
This final Sermon of this Series is about the Great Work that our Friend Jesus Christ does for us every day as He is seated at the right hand throne of God the Father. Many born-again Christians either take Christ’s Work for granted, are unaware of it, or maybe even for some people are not yet quite believing in His Work. Nevertheless Jesus our Great Friend and High Priest remains closer than a brother, and faithfully fulfills the terms of the New Covenant we have in God in Christ.
The primary goal of this Series has sought to get you, and every person who reads the Sermons, to understand that as Jesus Christ is, so are we in this world. (I John 4:17) To let every Church, denomination, and Christian individually know that until we see Jesus Christ as He is: our Faithful Friend and Great High Priest, then we cannot become who we truly are and accomplish what God has ordained for us to do in this world. That is, to serve as “intercessors” (mediators) for His glory. To be a united and holy people who “stand in the gap” for each other and the people of the world regardless of differences in doctrinal beliefs, traditions, customs, and the social issues of today that seek to divide us.
Jesus Christ is the Perfect Mediator between Sinful Man and the Holy God
The Holy Bible says that sin is a “reproach” to any people. (Prov.14:34) Thank God, for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) As born-again Christians, we must hate sin as God does. Yes, we need to hate sin with every fiber of our being because of what it has done, is doing, and will do to children, adults, families, and nations.
The sin Adam and Eve committed in the Garden of Eden resulted in spiritual death (separation from the Holy God) and natural death being introduced into all of Mankind. (Gen. 3:6-7) Wickedness (practiced sin) in individuals and families degrades and weakens nations. Oh, just look at the steep decline in morality America has suffered over the last century due to the hearts of men waxing cold against God. And, the Church of God in Christ Jesus divided and afraid, refuses to stand-up in love and truth against many of the trespasses of Society against God and His Holy Word.
Sin is both an “insult and an assault” against us. The human body cannot bear sins toll as it causes us to age and die, torments the human conscious, and completely darkens the spirit of a man; such that he knows not God his Creator and the difference between right and wrong.
But Praise God, Proverbs 18:24 states that Jesus Christ sticks closer than a brother. Jesus is a “True Friend;” the Friend of the sinner man. As in my story of Bishop Dempsey, a real friend shows themselves friendly towards you at all times. They don’t wait to be admired and loved first, or to have some good deed done for them before befriending and doing something good for you. Whether embraced, or disgraced by others, the True Friend never stops loving and doing good to all.
This is our Friend Jesus, who treats us better than our own family members. Jesus Christ, who is the antidote to sin, is always there for us, and faithful in all of His doings towards us. Jesus continually stands in the gap; intercedes for us. Jesus brings us to and connects us eternally with God in fellowship. Jesus makes us apart of His Royal Family! (I Cor.11:3) Jesus serves as our Perfect Mediator between sinful Mankind and the Holy God. Yes, Jesus is the way the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (I Tim. 2:5) Thus, allowing us to come boldly before the throne of God and obtain mercy and find grace in a “Time” of need. (Rom. 8:34, I John 2:1-2, & Heb. 4:16 7:24-25)
Speaking of Jesus, the writer of the Book of Hebrews says,
“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25)
This Verse (and others like it) tells us that although Christ’s Work to secure the Salvation of the elect of God was completed on the cross, as evidenced by His cry, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), Jesus’ care for His redeemed children will never be finished. Saints aren’t you glad that our Friend Jesus never stops working to intercede with God on our behalf? Even when we sin and miss the mark, Jesus never stops interceding for us before God our Father!
Jesus did not ascend into Heaven after His earthly Ministry and “take a break” from His role as eternal Shepherd of His people. The Apostle Paul wrote at Romans 5:10, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Paul is saying, if when humble, despised, dying, and dead, Christ had the power to accomplish so great a Work as reconciling us to God, how much more may we “expect” that Jesus will be able to keep us now that He is a living, exalted, and a triumphant Redeemer, raised to life and interceding on our behalf before the throne.
Paul also stated at Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Clearly, 2000 years after Jesus’ Ascension to glory, He is still very active on our behalf in Heaven, and we need to be confident that if we sin Jesus is our Faithful Friend who advocates for us before God our Father.
After Jesus ascended to Heaven and was seated at the right hand throne of God the Father (Acts 1:9 and Col. 3:1), He returned to the glory He had before His incarnation (John 17:5) to carry on His role of King of kings and Lord of lords; His eternal role as the second Person of the God Head. While this old earth continues to be “won” for Christ, Jesus is the “Advocate” for every born-again Christian. This means Jesus is our great Defender. This is the intercessory role Jesus currently fulfills for those who are His. (I John 2:1) Jesus is always pleading our case before the Father, like a defense lawyer on our behalf.
Jesus is interceding for us while Satan (whose name means “accuser”) is accusing us, pointing out our sins and frailties before God, just as he did with Job. (Job 1:6-12 & Rev.12:10) But, Praise God, every accusation of Satan falls upon deaf ears in Heaven, because Jesus’ Work on the cross paid our sin debt in full. Therefore, God always sees in His children the perfect righteousness of Jesus.
Did you hear that Saints? God always sees you in the perfect righteousness of Jesus. This is what I did not know and realize when I had strayed from God and the Church; that I was still a child of God and in His sight the perfect righteousness of Jesus; no matter what anyone else thought of me. My Ace-Friend Larry knew this, and remained my “sticky friend!”
When Jesus died on the cross, His righteousness (perfect holiness) was imputed to us, while our sin was imputed to Him at His death. This is the great exchange Paul talks about in II Corinthians 5:21 writing, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus’ Perfect Work on the cross took away forever our sinful state before God, so God can accept us as blameless before Him.
Finally, it is important to reiterate with emphasis, that Jesus is the “only human mediator” between God and man. No one else, not Mary the mother of Jesus, those promoted to the Sainthood in a religion, nor angelic being has the power to intercede for us before the throne of Almighty God. Christ alone is the “God-man,” the sinless Man, and He serves as the mediator between God and man. Thank God, because of Jesus, we now have a new and living way to draw near to God, through faith in the shed blood of Jesus. (Heb.10:19-22)
Jesus’ Priesthood is Far Superior to the Old Covenant Priesthood
Through examining the roles of the Priests of the Old Covenant we see the Greatness of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, our Faithful Friend. Unlike the Old Testament Israelites who were not permitted to approach the Presence of God in the thick cloud that encompassed the mountain where Moses was to meet with God, recorded at Exodus 19, we are called to approach God, but not apart from Jesus Christ who is our Great High Priest.
There is no greater proof of this great access than Jesus’ Priestly Work on behalf of His people. Through the blood of Jesus we have a Covenant with God in which we are told to draw near to God with a “true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb.10:22) Meaning with faith in the finished Works of Jesus, we are welcome to come as we are and be “real” with God; free of guilt, shame, and condemnation of sin; and to have absolute authenticity, knowing that the blood of Jesus has freed us from all sin.
When God delivered the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, He provided detailed instructions for how his people were to worship Him. As you read through the Book of Exodus it’s made clear that God is a God of order, and is very much concerned with how His people approach Him in worship. Every detail of the tabernacle and the worship practices of His people were delivered to Moses, and then by Moses, to the children of Israel.
Exodus 25 contains the specific blueprint of the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. In speaking about the Mercy Seat, God said, “There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.” (Ex. 25:22)
When the Tabernacle was complete and the furnishings put into place as God had directed, the Book of Exodus concludes by stating that Moses did all that the LORD had Commanded and the Tabernacle was erected and the glory of God filled the tent. (Ex. 40:33-38) It was also clearly established that Aaron was to engage in the priestly work inside the Tabernacle, which would be the plan for the Temple in the years to follow. In the Book of Leviticus, we find that God established the priestly line of the Levites who labored in their service to the Lord.
At the heart of the worship of God is the necessity of a sacrifice. The five types of sacrifices mentioned in Leviticus served different purposes within the religious practices of the Israelites. Each offering had its distinct significance and meaning, and played a crucial role in their relationship with God and the atonement for sin.
The Burnt Offering was a sacrifice made to seek forgiveness for general sins and to demonstrate complete surrender and dedication to God. The offering consisted of an entire animal, which was burned on the altar. The act of burning symbolized the complete devotion of the heart of the worshiper, acknowledging God’s authority and seeking purification. (Lev. 1:1-17)
The Grain Offering was a sacrifice made to express gratitude to God for His blessings, particularly related to the harvest. A portion of the grain was burned on the altar as an offering to God, signifying acknowledgment of His provision. The remaining part was given to the priests, emphasizing the importance of supporting the religious leaders and the community. (Lev. 2:1-16, also 6:14-18 & 7:9-10)
The Fellowship Offering, also known as the Peace Offering, served two-purposes. The offering involved sacrificing an animal, in which a part of it was offered to God, while the rest was shared among the worshipers as a communal meal. This offering symbolized reconciliation with God, celebrating the restored relationship between the worshiper and God after atonement for sin. It highlighted the concept of fellowship, unity, and joy within the community. (Lev. 3:1-17)
The Sin Offering was specifically designated to make atonement for sins committed by individuals or the entire nation. The offering involved sacrificing an animal, and the blood of the animal was used to cleanse and purify the altar. It emphasized the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness. It provided a means to restore the broken relationship with God and His people. According to Leviticus 16:11, the high priest was to offer a sacrifice for himself and then another sin offering for the people. (Lev. 4:1-5,13, 6:24-20 & 16:15)
Lastly, The Guilt Offering had a similar purpose to the sin offering, focusing on the atonement for specific sins. It involved the sacrifice of an animal, but it also required the worshiper to make restitution for their wrongdoing, compensating the injured party with additional offerings. This offering emphasized personal responsibility for one’s actions and aimed to restore not only the relationship with God, but also the affected individuals or the community harmed by the sin. (Lev. 5:14, 6:7, 7:1-7, & 14:12-18)
These five Sacrificial Offerings in Leviticus provided a comprehensive system for the children of Israel to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, reconcile with God, and restore relationships among their people. They formed an integral part of their religious practices, reflecting the importance of repentance, devotion, thanksgiving, and communal fellowship and unity in their worship.
Also, in the Tabernacle and the Temple to follow, there were several pieces of furniture including water basins for cleansing and lampstands for light, but there was no “resting place” for the priests who offered sacrifices. The reason for this is their work was never finished. There was a Mercy Seat, but that was only used for the offering of the blood of animals to be presented to God; not for a priest to sit upon and rest.
The office of the high priest, held great significance in the Old Covenant as the high priest acted as a “mediator” between God and the people, ministering sacrifices and interceding for their sins. The Book of Hebrews provides a profound understanding of Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest who fulfills the office in a way that no other priestly figure under the Old Covenant was capable of doing. Chapter 7:19-28 tells it all:
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Jesus holds an “eternal” priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek which is established in the “Grace” of God, and not according to law. Jesus, who knew no sin, was uniquely qualified to represent humanity before God. His sinless state of perfection enables Him to empathize with human weaknesses and offer perfect intercession. (Heb. 4:15)
Further, the work of Jesus as the Great High Priest goes beyond priestly work. It involved offering a better sacrifice than any other high priest could offer in their service to God. In the Old Covenant, the high priest offered animal sacrifices repeatedly for the atonement of sins. In contrast, Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of God’s people, thereby providing eternal redemption for all of Mankind. While the earthly high priests operated within the confines of the Tabernacle or Temple, Jesus entered the “True Heavenly Sanctuary” to intercede for His people. His sacrificial Work is not confined to earthly limitations, but extends to the eternal spiritual realm.
Jesus’ Priestly Work involved offering up a proper sacrifice of Himself to God, while at the very same time taking away the sins of the world. (John 1:29 & Rom. 5:8). As Jesus died on the cross, he served as both High Priest and the sacrificial lamb. He offered up a “Better Sacrifice” to God and took away all sins; thereby fulfilling the priestly duties with perfection and fulfilling the sacrificial system under the Old Covenant in every way possible in order to please God the Father.
The final words of Jesus on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signify the completion of His Work of redemption. His sacrificial death and Resurrection accomplished salvation for all of Mankind who believe and trust in His testimony. Further, the Work of Jesus as the Great High Priest is superior to the Old Covenant priesthood as His sacrifice is “perfect” and once-for-all, surpassing the temporary atonement provided by animal sacrifices. Through Him, every born-again Christian has direct access into God’s Presence. (Heb.10:19-21)
When God designed the Mercy Seat and Ark of the Covenant, it was so His Presence could reside within a “tent” structure. The people of Israel were pilgrims who followed after the Presence and Direction of God. They constructed their tents around the main tent structure of the tabernacle where God met with His people in covenant worship.
This has great significance as one of the Gospels of the New Testament begin with the Apostle John’s writing that Jesus came unto his people and “dwelt” among them (John 1:14). In the Greek translation the word “dwelt” means “to live, settle, take up residence.” It carries the idea of pitching a tent. In the incarnation, when Jesus took upon Himself human flesh, it was connected to the scene at the end of Exodus when the glory of God descended among God’s people in a tent. John 1:13 states,
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is a theme that’s interwoven through the pages of Scripture from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Ultimately, the hope of God’s people is that we will one day “dwell” with God and God with us all of eternity. This very same term used about Jesus “dwelling” among His people is repeated again in Revelation 21 when God’s people are united with God in the new heavens and the new earth. John wrote:
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Rev. 21:3)
In the meantime, all persons who believe and confess from the realness of their hearts and mouths that Jesus Christ is the Son of God whom God has raised from the dead, God “dwells” within the Tabernacles of their hearts, and they in God. (I John 4:15) God sends forth His Spirit in them, and they cry Abba Father. Meaning God the Father is in His Holy Habitation, and receive the Spirit of adoption and are made God’s children. (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6, & Mark 14:36)
In closing, we see that Jesus Christ is a True Friend, a Friend like no other person can be; not mother, father, sister or brother. Jesus’ Work as our Great High Priest forges a Love inside of us greater than we can have for family or any other person or thing. (Matt. 10:37) Because of Jesus’ completed Work on the cross, we have access to the Holy God and His throne of grace, where we can obtain mercy and find grace in time of need. We enter into God’s Presence, not just for ourselves, but to intercede for others standing in the need of prayer. (Hebrews 4:16)
You see Saints, Jesus continually intercedes for your life before God, so that through Him you might also be an intercessor for others in this world, to both Saints and sinners. For as Jesus is, so are we in this world. (I John 4:17)
As Prophet, Jesus represents God to us by preaching the law and delivering the good news of hope to guilty sinners. As Priest, Jesus represents us to God by covering our sin with His shed blood, which offered up a satisfactory sacrifice that is well pleasing to God. Oh, what a Faithful Friend we have in Jesus.
By entering into the Presence of God through the blood of Jesus, we are to confidently make our requests known unto God according to the Word of God, and He will hear and answer our prayers. (Php.4:6 & I John 5:14) Before the Presence of God, we can put God in remembrance of His Covenant Promises, for which Jesus serves as the Mediator, and hold-fast to the professions of our faith knowing that God is faithful to do as Promised. (Heb.10:23)
So I ask you dear Saints, how wide is your net of human compassion and intercession for fellow Christians and the people of the world who do not know God? This same Jesus who is the Mediator for Mankind dwells in you!
Remember this Hymn about the mighty Friend we have in Jesus, and think about how you are to be a “sticky friend” to others like Jesus.
“What a Friend we have in Jesus”
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can Jesus count on you to be an “intercessor” (mediator) for all people too? To serve as a intercessor for born-again Christians membered to any and all denominational and non-denominational Churches who hold doctrinal or social beliefs different from your own; for those persons who love you, as well as those who despise, hate, and persecute you?
I guarantee you that God has placed another person(s) in your life who He intends for you to serve as an intercessor; to stick closer to them than a brother. The Holy Ghost within you seeks to lead and guide you into how to show yourself friendly to all people, with big and small acts of kindness toward them, and to live peaceably with all people. (Rom.12:8)
Remember this Saints, true intercessors for Christ are never satisfied until God is satisfied that all people such as should be saved have been set free from sin and bondage, reconciled to God and have received eternal life through the finished works of Jesus Christ on the cross. Pray for the nations, your family andfriends, enemies, strangers, and sinners; ask God to use you to reach the lost with the Gospel, and to open the bowels of compassion of your heart to pray for the sick and those oppressed of the devil.
Ask the Lord to give you a special anointing to minister to the poor, imprisoned, widows, and orphans. Wherever and whenever people are separated from God, ask the Lord to enable you to serve as a “repairer of the breach.” (Is. 58:12) Ask the Lord to fill you with spiritual strength and might to continue to “knock on the door” of the hearts of people who have walked away from God and apply love and mercy on them until they come back to God.
And, finally, may the tree that God has planted in you grow-out into ever flourishing branches and provide shade and good fruit to eat for someone else to enjoy during their life-time. (Ps.1:3-6) This is the true legacy of the Saints of God. That is, only what we do for Christ will last; only how we serve the Lord to bring others to Christ and do God-good works for them will be counted in the end. Remember the Words of our Faithful Friend and Great High-Priest Jesus Christ at John 15:5.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God!
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