Intercession 102 by Aaron

Last time was a foundational day about intercession. Remember intercession means to “plead or make a request in behalf of others” and from the passage in Matthew I pointed out how physical posture and frequency can impact intercession. Today I want to use a passage in Exodus 17 to point out our roles as intercessors.

To set the stage, Moses has now lead the Israelites out of Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, God provided manna and quail and also water from the rock to meet their needs and the Israelites are now about to be attacked by the Amalekites.

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, and one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

The the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.’

Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. He said, ‘For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD.’” Exodus 17:8-16

So how does this passage relate to intercession? Remember that intercession is to “plead or make a request in behalf of others” and the roles of Moses, Aaron, and Hur were physically doing intercession for the Israelites while in battle.
The Lord chose for there to be a team effort to win the battle against the Amalekites. With intercession, we are a part of a team effort. You personally and maybe alongside others agree with our high priest (Jesus Christ) and present these requests or intercessions to God through the Holy Spirit. What’s even more amazing is that God wills it to be done this way!

Application to our lives right now: Who are the people in your life you feel the LORD is leading you to intercede on their behalf? Write it down and stick it in places you frequent like your car, bathroom mirror, your Bible, by your television and or computer monitor.

Thanks for reading and one last thought, as you intercede, picture yourself holding up the arms of the one you love so they can reach the throne of Lord.