Intercession is one of the least understood and vital subjects of our day.
We are beginning to see the emergence of a worldwide prayer movement that is having a phenomenal effect on the way God is moving today.
God is raising up the tabernacle of David, in our day. This is a worship and prayer movement, where there is 24/7 worship and prayer.
This prayer movement is a key to the coming great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the harvest that will inevitably follow.
The ministry of intercession has not been widely understood, and has often been relegated to a few people in the back of the Church.
History belongs to the intercessors.
We are going to see the ministry of intercession take a quantum leap forward in terms of importance and function. We can boldly declare to the powers of darkness…“ Look out, the intercessors are coming!” Your power over our cities will be broken.
Have you ever wondered why God devised the system of prayer? An understanding of this is fundamental to our understanding of prayer.
Is God Controlling Everything?
Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17 and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT GOD’S PERMISSION You may ask … What about evil?
God permits evil through the laws He has set, such as the Laws of Sowing and Reaping, Laws of Disobedience, Laws of Retribution, Laws of Free Will etc
The wages of sin is death. This is a law.
It is evident that God knows the beginning from the end. We just have to read the book of Revelation to see that.
If God is in Control and is working to a plan which He will not be late in accomplishing, if God has His hands on the reins,
Then Why Pray?
The purpose of prayer is not that of influencing God. Prayer is not a way of persuading God to do something.
God has chosen to delegate the running of the affairs of His Kingdom and to bring to pass His purposes in the earth through you, His Church in the earth.
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might he known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, …
GOD DOES EVERYTHING BY THE WORD HE SPEAKS
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. This is a fundamental principle of how God works, (the ways of God). God creates through the spoken word. He speaks and it is done. This gets to the very heart of prayer.
When God chooses to do something He reveals it to His people who in turn speak it into existence.
This is the very essence of true prayer. All prayer has its foundation in this.
PRAYERS THAT ARE ANSWERED ARE PRAYERS THAT HAVE ORIGINATED IN GOD
If you read Jeremiah chapter 1 you will see that God put His words into Jeremiah’s mouth in order to bring change in Nations. God did not act alone; He acted through his human servant to accomplish what He wanted.
1 John 5: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: …
The Altar of Incense
Exodus 30:1”Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burning incense; you shall make it of acacia wood. 2 “Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit, it shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it. 3 “And you shall overlay it with pure gold, its top and its sides all around, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding all around for it. 4 “And you shall make two gold rings for it under its molding; you shall make them on its two side walls—on opposite sides—and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it. 5 “And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 6 “And you shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the amercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you. 7 “And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps. 8 “And when Aaron trims the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.
Upon this altar, incense was to be offered day and night. Incense is a type of prayer and worship.
In the New Covenant the altar of incense has been moved inside the veil, in the Holy of Holies.
Hebrews 9:1 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place. 3 And behind the second veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 4 having a golden aaltar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Matthew 27:51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split,
Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: …
What Does Incense Speak Of?
Prayer, Intercession, and worship
Revelation 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
As we draw to the end of the age, God is emphasizing the “Altar of Incense” in order to help facilitate the ingathering of the harvest. Intercession is required for this to happen.
The Ingredients Necessary To Make Incense
Exodus 30:34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. 35 “And with it you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. 36 “And you shall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting, where I shall meet with you; it shall be most holy to you
The Incense Was Made Up Of The Following
Stacte- This was gum from a tree. The word means, “to drop” or “to distill”.
The tree was not cut, the gum flowed freely.
This ingredient of incense (intercession) speaks of free flowing prophetic praying, an anointed flow of words (prayer) – prophetic praying.
Onycha- This was made from a shellfish, which was ground small. It got its fragrance from the plant it fed on.
This ingredient of Intercession derives its fragrance from what you feed on. Intercession takes its flavor from the Word of God. Intercession is based on the redemptive promises of God’s word.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Galbanum- This was made from the gum of a large shrub. The stem of the shrub was broken and the gum flowed out.
This speaks of brokenness in Intercession. Compassion and deep feelings are necessary. There is a cost that intercessors pay in time, commitment and availability to God.
Frankincense- This was taken from deep within a tree. A very deep incision had to be made in order to extract the frankincense. It came from deep within the tree.
Frankincense is a type of faith
The seventh fruit of the Spirit in Song of Solomon Ch. 4. The seventh fruit of the Spirit in Galatians Ch. 5.
FINALLY …
The incense was placed in the fire. As the fire touched it a cloud would ascend to heaven to the throne of God.
The fire of God has to burn in the hearts of intercessors; they have to feel as God feels, speak as God speaks, do as God does.
Intercession flows out of the heart of one who is immersed in God’s words, one who knows the redemptive purposes of God. Out of a broken heart for mankind there comes free flowing prophetic words, touched by a deep inner faith. They become workers together with God to accomplish that which is on His heart. We have to build the Altar of Incense and go through the veil on behalf of this generation.
A Plague In Israel
Because of rebellion God decided to destroy the people of Israel and a plague began to sweep the nation. Thousands were dying …
THEN MOSES INTERVENED
God wants to open the Holiest of All to this hurting generation
How?
Numbers 16: 44 and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “ aGet away from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.” Then they fell on their faces. 46 And Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the Lord, the plague has begun!” 47 Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 And he took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked. 49 But those who died by the plague were 14,700, besides those who died on account of Korah
1 Aaron took incense and came between the judgment of God and the plague. THAT IS INTERCESSION.
2 He took incense and stood between the living and the dead.
3 Intercessors have to stand between God and the Sinner in order to avert God’s judgment. Intercessors are the main harvest tool.
4 If the Intercessors do not rise up … then Jeremiah 8:20 will be fulfilled.
Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Enough Salt For A City
God Does Not Need A Lot Of People
1 Gideon had only 300 men. God reduced his numbers from 32000 to 300 so that man would not get the credit.
2 Enoch walked with God 300 years, Genesis 5:22. 300 is the number of a faithful godly remnant.
3 It will be a faithful godly remnant that will get the job done.
4 Jesus trained only 12 men and later sent out only 70.
THERE HAS TO BE ENOUGH SALT
Matthew 5: 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: hut if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Jesus referred to the function of the Christian as that of salt.
Salt Had Two Purposes in the Days of Jesus
1. Flavor
2. As a preservative
Job 6:6 Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
This implies the need of salt for flavor. It makes the difference in food, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant.
1 Christians who are salt give flavour to the earth.
2 Their presence makes the earth acceptable to God.
3 Their presence commends the earth to God’s grace and mercy.
Because there are true intercessors in the earth, the Lord continues to deal with the earth in grace and mercy.
When the Church is finally taken out, only then can the wrath of God be poured out.
Intercessors are the salt of the earth. It just requires a few intercessors who are salt, to make the difference.
This principle is brought out in the destruction of Sodom.
Read Genesis 18
Abraham’s intercession for Sodom
Note he went from fifty people down to ten. If there had been 10 righteous people who were salt in Sodom, God would not have destroyed it.
When judgment came, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt as a mute testimony to the fact that THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SALT FOR THE CITY
WITHOUT CHRISTIANS WHO ARE SALT IN THE EARTH, THERE IS NOTHING THAT MAKES THE EARTH ACCEPTABLE TO GOD
Watchman
Ezekiel 3: 17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Ezekiel 33:7 So thou, 0 son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them rom me.
The subject of Intercessory prayer is one of the most profound and far reaching realities of our day. It opens to us the most effective weapon we have today in our battle against the powers of darkness.
If you learn the lessons and principles of these studies and begin to put them into practice you will become a real threat to the enemy.
God is no respecter of persons. To anyone in the earnest pursuit of God and His ways, The Lord will use.
The precious treasures of God are withheld from the careless and the satisfied, and are revealed to the hungry, the determined, and the one hundred percent involved with God.
The Foundation Stone …
There is one truth that is the foundation stone of all intercession.
JESUS IS THE INTERCESSOR
Everything we do is dependent upon and relative to our understanding of this.
The principle of intercession is related to man’s redemption. A proper understanding of this is crucial! Only as we understand this, can we proceed and be effective in our intercession.
Most Christians do not understand the extent of God’s decision to make Himself dependent upon man. The implications of this are profound and must be understood if we are to understand intercession. I believe the plans of God are greatly hindered because we have wrong notions of the sovereignty of God.
From the beginning God determined that the affairs of the Earth would be governed by man. God made man to rule in the earth. Man was created to be an extension of the family of God in heaven. He was to bring and maintain the rule of God in the earth. He was to make the earth like heaven, and he himself was to reflect God.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
The Watchman Ministry
God is gathering a company of people who will be on the cutting edge and at the forefront of what he is doing today.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Psalm 8:3-8 God made man to rule
Psalm 115:16 The Earth was given to man
1 Corinthians 11:7 Man in the image and glory of God
Man made in God’s image and glory to rule in the earth, to govern the earth for God.
Man was to be God’s mediator, His mouthpiece in the earth.
Through the fall Satan Obtained Authority In The Earth
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will give it.
John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11 Satan the prince of this world
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan the god of this world
The plans and purposes of God are greatly hindered by a wrong conception of the sovereignty of God.
God can do all things, but that does not mean that He does. The will of God is not automatic in the earth, or in your life.
GOD IS IN CONTROL TO THE DEGREE THAT WE PUT HIM IN CONTROL
Adam, (Man) gave his authority over the earth away to Satan.
In order to get it back, God had to do it through MAN … thus the Incarnation.
Romans 5: 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a btype of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
Man would forever be linked to authority over the earth.
THIS IS THE REASON FOR PRAYER
Elijah
1 Kings 18, James 5. Elijah stops the rain. It was God’s idea but Elijah had to travail.
Daniel
Daniel 9. Daniel discovered the prophecies of Jeremiah regarding the seventy year captivity. The time was up, but he had to co-operate with God and pray. He had to be consistent and diligent in prayer.
Ezekiel 22:30-31 God looked for a man, an intercessor to stop judgment on the land.
SO COMPLETE WAS MAN’S AUTHORITY IN THE EARTH, THAT HE HAD THE RIGHT TO GIVE IT AWAY. THIS RIGHT WOIJLD HAVE GRAVE CONSEQUENCES ON MAN’S FUTURE IN THE EARTH
Matthew 6:10 Thy Kingdom come. Greek for come: Ginomai – A command.
God’s kingdom comes when we with authority command it to come, to be established.
If we don’t – He wont.
Romans 8:28 tells us that “all things work together for good”. Is that true?
Not unless verses 26 and 27 are in place.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot he uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
God does not work in the earth apart from redeemed man, you and me.
He has chosen to administer His affairs in the earth through the Church.
Our co-operation with Him in this is vital for the will of God to be done.
Man was made to represent God … After the Fall he needed someone to represent him.
This new need of man required someone to mediate for him. This required intercession (not intercessory prayer but intercession) on behalf of man.
Intercession: The Meaning
huperentugchánō; fut. huperenteúxomai, from hupér – for, on behalf of, and entugchánō -to turn to, appeal. To intercede for or in the behalf of someone, to plead for someone.
A. Intercede – (Latin intercedo): “inter” = between, and “cedo” to pass between. An act of two parties with a view to reconcile those who differ or contend; to plead in favor of another; to mediate or make intercession.
B. Mediate – Being between two extremes; to interpose between parties as an equal of each. To negotiate between persons who are at variance with the purpose of reconciling; to mediate a peace.
C. Advocate – “Called to one’s side to aid” – It was used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for defense, an advocate, one who pleads another’s cause, an intercessor.
Man’s Two-Fold Need
1) MAN NEEDS AN INTERCESSOR/ MEDIATOR TO RECONCILE HIM BACK TO GOD
Job 9:32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
The word “daysman” in Hebrew – Yakach means a mediator.
Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour.
Job is the oldest book in the Bible; it was written before Genesis. The first Scriptures to be written show the need of man for an Intercessor (mediator).
2) A MEDIATOR/INTERCESSOR TO BREAK SATAN’S RULE OVER HIM
His Second Need Is For Someone to Break Satan’s Rule Over Him
Man’s need was not just to reconcile him back to God, but he had a need for Satan’s rule over his life to be broken.
Genesis 3: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
AN INTERCESSOR IS ONE WHO MEDIATES FOR ANOTHER, ONE WHO IS AN ADVOCATE FOR ANOTHER OR FOR A PARTICULAR SITUATION. PRAYER CAN BE USED BY THE INTERCESSOR IN THIS FUNCTION OF INTERCESSION.
MAN’S NEED WAS FOR A MEDIATOR, AN ADVOCATE OR AN INTERCESSOR, WHO WOULD STAND BETWEEN HIM AND GOD, BRIDGING THE GAP, PLEADING HIS CASE AND BRINGING RECONCILIATION
THE WORD “HEAD” (Hebrew) Rosh = To break headship.
This prophetic statement is saying that Jesus would come and break the headship of Satan over man.
Satan Had Authority Over Mankind
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will give it.
But Jesus broke the authority over man …
Psalm 110:6 He shall judge among the nations, he shall fill the places with dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
This is a Messianic Psalm and the word “Heads” is the Hebrew word Rosh -Headship.
Jesus will come and break the headship of Satan. The word “countries” here is the Hebrew word “Erets” = Earth
Man’s need is for someone to reconcile him back to God and to break Satan’s headship over him. This requires the work of an Intercessor.
Isaiah 53: 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made INTERCESSION for the transgressors.
Read : John 14:6 Romans 8:34 Acts 4:12 1 Timothy 2:5 Hebrews 7:25; 9:24 1 John 2:l
The Intercession of Jesus is not a Petitioning of the Father for Us
John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: …
He is not so much sitting in heaven praying for us. He, as the INTERCESSOR, Mediator, Reconciler, has done His work. HE NOW WAITS FOR US TO ENFORCE HIS WORK IN THE EARTH.
Hebrews 10: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting (Greek WAITING) till his enemies be made his footstool.
Jesus has done His work of intercession; we are now to enforce it in the earth. As we understand this it will bring forth faith and true authority in our lives.
We now operate from a position of what has already been accomplished. We are distributors, not manufacturers. Everything we distribute through our intercessory prayers has already been manufactured, produced through His work of Intercession.
We operate from a position of already accomplished victory through the cross. Whenever you break the hold of the devil in a person’s life, you do it from an already accomplished work that has been done by Jesus. You are simply an enforcer.
Like the loaves and fishes, all the disciples had to do was distribute; the miracle power was not their responsibility.
ALL TRUE INTERCESSION STARTS HERE. YOU DRAW FROM AND DISTRIBUTE REDEMPTIVE REALITIES FROM THE BANK OF HEAVEN THAT WERE DEPOSITED THROUGH THE REDEMPTIVE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST
Jesus represents you in heaven You represent Him in the earth
Jesus was our pattern in how He represented the Father in the earth. The pattern of our representation of Jesus is exactly the same. We relate to Jesus in exactly the same way as Jesus related to the Father.
We relate to Jesus in exactly the same way as Jesus related to the Father. An understanding of this is vital to our intercession; it is but an extension of the life and ministry of Jesus, as His was of the Father.
This is the secret of all successful New Testament ministry.
The Example Of Jesus
“I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:30)
“The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works” (John 14:l0)
Where Did Jesus Get His Authority From?
Authority … The right to command or act, dominion, control. The right to rule.
1: Jesus was Sent by the Father
His authority came from the one who sent Him (an ambassador)
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
2: Jesus did the Will of the Father
His authority came out of doing the will of the Father.
John 4:34 John 5:30 John 6:38 1 Cor 11:3
3: Jesus Did the Works of the Father
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
4: Jesus Revealed the Father
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 14:9 John 17:6 John 17:26 2 Corinthians 4:4 Hebrews 1:3
5: The Father was in Christ Reconciling the World
2 Corinthians 5:8-21
The Father intervened in the affairs of the world by sending Jesus. In everything Christ did on earth, he was representing the Father and was an extension of His love, His will, His works.
Where Did Jesus Get His Power From?
1: Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 4:l
2: Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit Luke 4:1
3: Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit Luke 4:14 Acts 10:38
4: Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit Luke 4:18 Acts 10:38
Jesus relied upon the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Through His relationship with the Father, He knew the will of the Father. Then, using the authority that came from the Father, He demonstrated and enforced the will of God in the earth. That was intercession.
Jesus through the Believer
1: We are Sent by Jesus
John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Matthew 28:18-19 Mark 16:15-20
2: The Believer does the Will of Jesus
Jesus is our head; we obey Him.
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, …
2 Timothy 1:9
3: The Believer does the Works of Jesus
John 14:12 Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Galatians 2:20
4: The Believer Reveals Jesus
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:5,35 2 Corinthians 3:18
5: Jesus in the Believer Reconciling the World unto Himself
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
As Jesus represented the Father when He was on earth, so we represent Jesus in the same way. This is the basis of our authority.
The work of Christ reuniting God and man is intercession in its fullest sense. There is no other mediator intercessor between God and man but Jesus. ALL of our intercession must be an extension of HIS.
Now we represent Him in the earth and enforce the work of His intercession. This makes our intercessory prayer powerful as it enforces that which He has already achieved for the human race.
HOW DO THESE FOUNDATION TRUTHS MANIFEST THEMSELVES IN ACTUAL ACTS OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER?
Creating a Meeting ….
The Hebrew Word For Intercession Is … “PAGA “
The Hebrew language is very graphic and employs many shades of meaning. This word “paga” has many applications, all related yet uniquely different. By studying the way this word is used we gain some profound insight into intercessory prayer.
WE WILL LOOK AT THE FIRST ASPECT OF THIS WORD WHICH IS … “TO MEET”
1: A MEETING WITH GOD … RECONCILIATION
In the Life of Jesus
Psalm 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Mercy And Truth Have Met = Paga
God is righteous and cannot overlook sin.
God is also love : He produces a PAGA : MEETING
The wrath of God was poured out on Jesus
Lovingkindness and Truth met
Reconciliation
In the Life of the Believer
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
Psalm 66:5 Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
THROUGH INTERCESSION WE CREATE A MEETING WITH GOD AND THE ONE WE ARE INTERCEDING FOR
Father, I bring John Doe to you today; meet with him: For Healing, For Deliverance, For Direction, For Salvation
A meeting can be pleasant, or it can he a violent confrontation of opposing forces. The intercessor is either going to meet God for the purpose of reconciling the world to the Father with all the benefits made available through Calvary.
Or you are going to “MEET” Satanic forces of opposition, for the purpose of enforcing the victory of Calvary. The purpose varies, hut one thing is certain; the prayers of an understanding intercessor will create A MEETING, and when the meeting comes to a close, something will have changed.
YOU CREATE A MEETING BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
The prayers of an understanding intercessor create a meeting. When that meeting comes to a close something will have changed.
2: CONFRONTING EVIL … BREAKING
Proverbs 17:12 let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.
2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
You never get between a bear or a lion and its cubs. If you do there is going to be a meeting, a violent confrontation.
Calvary Was A Violent Confrontation
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus Destroyed The Works Of The Devil
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
See also John 14:30, 12:31
THE BELIEVER
Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
See also: Acts 13:11 Matthew 11:12
The Lion Anointing Is Beginning To Be Manifest In These Days
WE ARE AT WAR: We will meet opposition; there will be violent confrontation in this business of getting people to God and setting the captive free. We must be ready to deal aggressively with these forces, knowing that the victory has already been won. Now we must enforce it.
The Second Use Of The Word “Paga” “To Light Upon” …
The word carries with it the meaning:
“To light upon by chance” “To intercept”
HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN THIS?
John 4:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The words “another Comforter” are the Greek words “allos-parakletos”
“ALLOS” meaning: “The same as” The same as what‘?
The same power source that Jesus had, THE SAME MINISTRY , THE SAME WORKS ,THE SAME HELPER.
“PARAKLETOS” meaning:
Comforter, Helper, Advocate, Standby, Counselor, Intercessor, Strengthener.
WE HAVE THE SAME HELPER THAT JESUS HAD
To Light Upon By Chance
The Holy Spirit helps us with our direction and accuracy in intercession
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
TWO WORDS TO NOTE HERE … “Infirmities” and “Ought”
The word “Infirmities”: is the Greek word “astheneia”
This word means: Lack of strength and ability. The inability to produce results.
The word “Ought”: is the Greek word “dei”
This word means: That which is right and necessary.
THE HOLY SPlRlT HELPS US IN THIS BY LIGHTING UPON US BY CHANCE
Genesis 28:10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Jacob was being directed unknowingly by God to this place, Bethel, “the house of God”. This produced a “meeting with God”.
The Holy Spirit will light upon you to pray. You don’t know why, where, what for, but you have a Helper. The Holy Spirit causes our prayers to light upon the right place; destinies are shaped, and people come to Bethel “the house of God”, like Jacob.
To Intercept
The Holy Spirit will intercept your own thoughts with His thoughts, bringing someone before you with the thought or feeling to pray for them. This is a PAGA encounter. It is the Holy Spirit calling you to intercession.
Timing In Intercession
THERE ARE TWO GREEK WORDS USED FOR TIME
Chronos … Time in general.
Kairos … A strategic, opportune time. The “now” time. The right time.
Kairos Time
The Enemy does not attack us at random: his attacks arc carefully timed.
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
THE WORD “TIME” HERE IS … “Kairos” Temptation is carefully timed.
At an opportune time the enemy came and they fell.
During times of: Tiredness, Discouragement, Low spirituality etc
You will encounter a “Kairos” attack, a well timed attack, when you are vulnerable.
Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
(He departed to await another Kairos time)
Kairos Persecution
Acts 12:1 Now about that “time” (Kairos) Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Acts 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
These persecutions were planned with strategic timing.
Kairos Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
The word “always” here is the word Kairos.
It does not mean that you have to be praying all the time. It means you have to be alert to those strategic times when you should be praying. When you pray, intercede in a Kairos Strategic time, you head off the enemy’s plans for a person, or carefully planned future attack of the enemy.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat::32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Jesus prayed in advance to head off an attack on Peter.
This is a vital aspect of intercession. You must be a watchman, vigilant, ever on the alert.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
A KAIROS TIME OF NEED … During these Kairos times we have to be bold.
Our Divine Helper, the Holy Spirit, is standing by, ready to help us in our intercession. He will move us from the natural to the supernatural, taking hold of situations with us, shaking the Kingdom of Darkness and accomplishing the will of God. His timing is precise, His aim is sure, and His understanding is limitless.
Another Aspect of “PAGA”
TO FALL UPON, TO STRIKE DOWN
Intercessory prayer can be violent… swords flashing… demons scattering… buildings being pulled down… people free.
The Warfare Aspect of “PAGA”
1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
Both of these acts are violent acts and the word to describe these violent acts is the word “PAGA”.
Intercession is the readiness of a soldier to fall upon violently, to attack the enemy.
Bruising the Head of Satan
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
THE WORD BRUISE HERE IS THE HEBREW WORD … “Shuwph”
It means: To break, crush, smite in pieces.
This prophetic statement indicates a violent crushing encounter.
Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
This is a Messianic Psalm; that is, it speaks of Jesus.
Treading Underfoot
Joshua 10:24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. 25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.
This was a custom. The king would do this to the kings he defeated in battle as a graphic picture of the enemy defeated.
However, in this incident Joshua broke from tradition. He called the soldiers over to put their feet on the necks of the enemy.
This was a prophetic statement of our Joshua (Jesus). It is saying, we now have the right to put our feet on the necks of the enemy which He, our King Jesus, has defeated.
1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church.
Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Joshua 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
This is not some quiet prayer walk: IT IS VIOLENT ACTION
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Demolishing Strongholds
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, hut mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself againts the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;…
A Stronghold – A House Of Thoughts
Paul is here describing these strongholds as thoughts.
Where there is a wrong pattern of thought, Satan is able to build a stronghold in that person’s mind. We are not talking about random thoughts, but well-established patterns of thought that are in harmony with Satanic thought or lies.
Jesus said that evil spirits seek rest. Matthew 12:43-44. What kind of rest do they seek?
The sense of rest they seek is from being in harmony with their environment, their thinking.
They build a stronghold in people’s lives, which is a house of thoughts that are in harmony with their thinking.
EXAMPLES:
Fear , False Doctrine , Failure , Sexual fantasy , Unbelief , Suspicion , Rejection
These strongholds can be built in the minds of Christians or brought over from the old life.
These Strongholds Have To Be Pulled Down
2 Corinthians 4:4 In wham the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
THE WORD “blinded” HERE IS THE GREEK WORD “tuphloo”
It means to make blind or dull.
It is taken from a root Greek word “tuphoo” which means “to inflate with self; to be lifted up with pride”.
THIS IS VERY REVEALING …
If you put these two words together, you get a very clear understanding of the word “blinded” as it is used in this passage of Scripture.
BLINDED … To make blind and dull through self conceit and pride.
WHAT IS THE STRONG MAN THAT KEEPS PEOPLE OUT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
PRIDE … The god of this world has a root of pride, a Strong man that has dulled and blinded the minds of the unbeliever. Our weapons are mighty through God to pull down these strongholds and set them free.
WE CAN AND WE MUST
Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Identification
Another use of the word “Paga” is found in Isaiah 53:12.
PAGA … “Laid upon”
Intercession reached its highest and most profound expression when our sins were “laid upon” Jesus. Jesus was able to fully identify with us, when the totality of our condition was laid upon Him. Then as the scapegoat, He carried it far away. There is an aspect of this form of intercession which we, His body, can enter into. It isn’t exactly the same as His was, of course, in that His was redemptive in nature. There is nevertheless a “sharing on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: …
JESUS IDENTIFIES WITH US (INTERCESSION)
Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
OUR SIN WAS “LAID UPON” HIM “Paga”.
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2 Corinthians 5:21 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 “BORE AWAY” OUR SIN – Hebrew “Nasa”
To bear away, remove.
Isaiah 54:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
The Intercessor Can Also Carry And Bear For Others
Romans 15:1 We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. :2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
THE WORD “BEAR” HERE IS THE GREEK WORD “Bastazo”
IT MEANS:
To lift up, carry away , Carry off, remove ,Intercession
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;…
FORBEAR … To take upon oneself.
INTERCESSORS CAN BEAR FOR OTHERS
Sometimes…
Pain , Grief , Sorrow, etc
The Final Aspect of “PAGA”
“REACHES TO” SETTING BOUNDARIES
This last use of the word “paga” describes a place of security available to us in the Lord. However, this place of security if not automatic. Those who just take for granted that the Lord will protect us, are in danger of being wiped out by the enemy.
Intercession is required in order to secure that place of safety.
In Joshua Chapter 19 the word “paga” is used 5 times. IT IS USED FOR SETTING BOUNDARIES
Joshua 19:11 And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam; …
The word “reach” here is “paga”. It is also used in verses 22, 26, 27, 34.
Setting boundaries. Saying, “no further” to the enemy.
This kind of intercession heads off enemy attack “in advance”. It puts a sign up saying, “no trespassing”. It builds walls of protection.
WE CAN, NOT BY ADDING TO WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE, BUT BECAUSE OF WHAT HE HAS DONE, CARRY THE WEAKNESSES AND PAIN OF OTHERS, PLACED UPON US FOR INTERCESSION.
WE CARRY THEM TO THE CROSS, ALLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO APPROPRIATE TO THEM THE BENEFITS OF CALVARY, ONCE AGAIN MAKING THE GRACE AND BLOOD OF JESUS SUFFICIENT.
In Advance
Psalm 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
THE SNARE OR TRAPS OF THE TRAPPER
The enemy sets traps for us which can at times be near fatal. But we can be one step ahead of the enemy.
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Lit: Deliver us from the Evil One. This is in advance.
THE SIGN “NO TRESPASSING” IS POSTED BY PRAYER
It is critical that we realize that protection is not automatic.
It is not just by faith, or by covering with the blood of Jesus.
It requires intercession “Paga” that sets boundaries.
Romans 8:28 And we know that a11 things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
IF VERSE 27 IS NOT IN PLACE, VERSE 28 DOES NOT WORK
There are things we must do, in order to secure ourselves and family, and those we are praying for.
The Secret Place
Psalm 91:1 He that dwelkth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
WHERE OR WHAT IS THE SECRET PLACE?
Jesus talked about this.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
I WILL SAY … PRAYER
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
WE MUST EXERCISE FAITH AND PRAYER
This is a way of life, Consistency is the order of the day, and you must dwell in this
It’s to “he that dwelleth”, to stay in. ABIDE … Hebrew – To stay overnight
You don’t cover the next month in prayer in one prayer time. It’s a place you abide in; a daily thing.
Then, and only then, do you abide under shadow of the Almighty.
SHADOW: Hebrew – “A protective covering”
WE ARE TO CONSTANTLY “WATCH AND PRAY” TO AVOID ENTERING INTO TEMPTATION (The traps of the enemy)
Warding Off Kairos Attacks
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints:
“ALWAYS”: “Kairos” – At the right, or critical, definite, fixed time.
“WATCHING”: Greek – To be intently watchful.
The protection of the Lord is not automatic because we are saved. It requires vigilance and obedience.
The intercessor knows this and leaves nothing to chance, posting signs for all the forces of hell to see.
The intercessor remains under the shadow of the Most High, through abiding in prayer and alertness to the Enemy’s plans.
Manifestations
TRAVAIL: Releasing the Creative Energy of God
Travailing intercession is one of the most powerful manifestations of intercession. Our ignorance of this dynamic truth has resulted in untold lost opportunities and a spiritual impotency far greater than most are aware of…
Isaiah 37:3 “And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. Jesus said it this way …
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;…
DEFINITION: Travail – strong labour; to give birth.
SUPERNATURAL CHILD BIRTH: The Holy Spirit Hovering.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: hut the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
The Context: Travail
Creation groans and travails, We groan and travail, The Holy Spirit groans and travails through us “which cannot be uttered” – KJV “which are inexpressible” – W.E. Vine “not to be expressed in words” – Bullinger “to deep for words” – NAS “groans that words cannot express” – NIV
GROANING … Greek ‘stenagmos”
Groaning or sighing as one who is distressed.
Physical Manifestations
Travail sometimes comes with physical manifestations, similar to that of literal child birth. However, travail does not always have these manifestations, but deep emotion will always accompany that kind of intercession.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, …
Paul is here speaking about travailing in birth until Christ is formed within his spiritual children. The word travail here is “odino” meaning “to experience the pangs of birth”.
WEEPING:
This too is a manifestation that sometimes comes with travail. Again this is a strong emotion that can be part of the identification process that sometimes accompanies travail.
The Birthing Power of God
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES BIRTH TO THE WILL OF GOD
Creation
Genesis 1:2. “Without form” Hebrew ‘tohuw” A desolate wasteland
“Moved upon” Hebrew “rachaph” “To brood over” “Brood” from the root “breed”. Offspring; progeny; that which is bred. To bring forth young.
The Hebrew language is a picture language. The word “brood” is the picture for a husband hovering over his bride.
Jesus is the Saviour, but the Holy Spirit is the birthing agent. Travail is necessary to get people saved.
To Bring Forth
IN CREATION
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.
Before the mountains were “brought forth”
“yalad” The Hebrew word for travail.
Before the earth was “formed”
“Chuwl” To twist, writhe in pain.
We see from this scripture the World was birthed through travail.
A NATION
How did Israel come to be? Moses recounts this in the book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: …
The context of this is the bringing into existence of the nation of Israel.
“As an eagle fluttereth” Hebrew – “rachaph” to brood, to bring forth
THE CONCEPTION OF JESUS
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall he horn of thee shall be called the Son of God.
“Overshadow” – Greek “episkiazo” To cast a shade upon; To envelope in a haze of brilliance. (W.E. Vine)
The Holy Spirit hovered over Mary as He did over the earth at creation. He enveloped her in a “haze of brilliance” (His Glory) releasing His creative power, and forming, or conceiving Christ in her.
Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Acts 5: 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
This enveloping of the glory of God is God’s creative power manifest.
At creation the Holy Spirit brooded over the desolate Earth, releasing His creative power with the words of Jesus, and gave birth to what He spoke. The Scriptures elsewhere call this TRAVAIL.
CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Quicken” – Greek ‘zoopoieo” To give life; make alive
Even though Jesus is the resurrection and the life, it was the Holy Spirit who quickened his body, giving birth to new life.
Travailing In the Ministry Of Jesus
LAZARUS
John 11:34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept.
John 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Verse .33 Jesus was moved deeply in the Spirit and was troubled.
Verse .35 Jesus wept. Greek = dakruo – to burst into tears.
Verse .38 Groaning within himself.
Jesus travailed and released the life giving power of the Holy Spirit before he ever gave the command, “Lazarus, come forth”.
GETHSEMANE
Without question, Christ’s intercessory redemption of man began with His travail in the Garden. Isaiah prophesied of this.
Isaiah 53:ll He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall he satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
JESUS SAID THIS …
Matthew 26:38 Then said he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
It was here, in the Garden, that redemption was birthed through travail. It was here that the “New Creation” was birthed.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; …
TRAVAIL: With strong crying and tears.
The Intercessors Travail
As at creation: So for the new creation As with Israel: So for spiritual Israel As with Mary: Forming Christ in His people As with Lazarus: Birthing new life for others As at Gethsemane: Birthing redemption for others
The limitless ability and the life birthing power of the Holy Spirit, must be released. They are released by intercessors who respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in intercession. TRAVAIL is a form of intercession that gives birth. It releases God’s creative power into a situation to produce and give birth.
IT WAS HERE THAT REDEMPTION BEGAN
IT WAS HERE THAT THE VICTORY WAS WON
Salvation
Isaiah 66:8 Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
There will be no harvest without travail.
Maturing the Believer
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand complete in all the will of God.
General Provision
James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.18 And he prayed again, and the earth gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Practical Considerations
Don’t try to work it up, Make sure any physical manifestations, such as groaning or loud cries, etc. are of the Spirit, and not of the flesh. When you don’t understand something, or aren’t sure of what is happening, seek wise counsel . Be sensitive when with people who don’t understand, Public places, meetings etc. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Finish your intercession.
Wrestling … Enforcing the victory
It is not enough to simply ask the Father to do something. It is often necessary to accompany this with Spiritual Warfare or “wrestling”, enforcing the victory of Calvary.
Ephesians 6: 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wrestle – KJV Struggle – NAM Fight – Philips Contend – AMP
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) …
The power that created the universe is available to you as you co-operate with God. Untold millions await their birth into the Kingdom of God. If it is ever going to happen, the church is going to have to arise and find her Gethsemane, take up her position and press! -birthing the harvest while it is yet day.
Why Is It Necessary To “Wrestle”?
Why didn’t God pass final judgment on Satan, put him in the pit, eliminating him from the earth?
If Satan is defeated, and we are delivered from his power (Colossians 1:13), why is wrestling or warfare necessary?
God Has Given Us Dominion…
But we have to exercise it.
We have to retake this planet back and establish God’s kingdom here again.
Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
With Whom Do We Wrestle?
Not with God … We do not wrestle with God; we co-operate with Him.
We are at war with a defeated foe, but we must enforce his defeat
EPHESIANS 6: 12
PRINCIPALITIES
Greek = “arch” – beginning, the first place
POWERS
Greek = “exosia” – authorities
RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD
Greek = “kosmokrator” – “Lords of the world”
SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES
Greek = “poneros” – wickedness; evil in nature
1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world he cast out.
Paul’s ministry was hindered by these powers. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Romans 15:22
False teaching comes from these powers. 1 Timothy 4:l James 3:15
Jesus now waits for the Church to rise up and possess the land. Satan will resist and fight us; there will be conflict.
Jesus broke the headship of Satan, or his authority, over mankind. Satan still has power. He simply has no legal right over mankind.
We have to enforce that.
Prayers hindered by these powers Daniel 10:12-13
In many situations much time is wasted dealing with symptoms, conditions, individuals, problems, etc, when the cause is spiritual or demonic.
Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. We storm the gates of hell.
Isaiah 28:6; Matthew 16:18 Not the gates of heaven.
Intercession and Spiritual Warfare really go together. No intercessor can escape very real confrontations with the enemy.
As we answer the call to intercession will be learning to increase your skills in intercession.
As you develop shills in spiritual warfare, you are becoming a very real threat to the enemy and you will begin to take your stand at the forefront of what God is doing today in the earth.