I pray for them: I pray not I for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine.
And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be as one, as We are.
- John 17:9-11
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How do those who deny Christ's priestly work of intercession miss the benefits of a wonderful and comforting truth? |
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How does the love of God restrain sin? |
In John 17, especially verses 9-26, we may hear, in humble amazement, something of Christ's wonderful high-priestly prayer. What a comfort God's people have in knowing that they have a praying High Priest in heaven! Do you need Him personally as your praying High Priest? Are you experiencing the rich comfort of this truth in your life? If so, it will stir a hatred of sin within you as the following story illustrates:
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A young man hurried down a busy sidewalk in the heart of Toronto. That night he was on his way to a sinful place, a place where his conscience told him he should not be. He hurried on past various lights and storefronts. However, just before arriving at his destination, he glanced at a store window display and saw a painting of a mother praying. His thoughts instantly returned to his own home. He glanced at his watch. Yes, right now, he thought, my mother is probably praying - probably praying for me! This thought touched his heart. He felt his eyes well with tears. Stopping, he turned around, and retraced his steps. How would the consciousness of Christ's praying for them keep God's children from sin? Are God's people always conscious of this truth in their hearts? Why not? |
