When our adult son got sick, several years ago, we, his parents, had to intervene on his behalf. We were the ones who helped, as he was going through a marriage break-up as well. Somehow, he got himself to the hospital in another city for treatment for the acute phase of his Bipolar Disorder, that is, mania. In this state, a person has irrational thinking, grandiose ideas, and unrestrained spending.

When he was released, however, we had to stand beside our son in his mess, and help him pick up the pieces. Actually, the process started before he was released, with my husband’s intervention in his financial affairs. Bills had to be paid, and the monthly support for his children ensured because our son’s bank account was depleted. Definite juggling went on as we tried to restore order to his temporarily shattered life. Our son was unable to extricate himself out of his financial mess on his own.

My job as mother took the form of emotional and spiritual support. Our son is a believer, and one of my functions turned out to be bolstering up his lowered self-esteem with kind and encouraging words. At times it was like walking on eggshells. We weathered many emotional storms by praying out loud with each other in his moments of despair, and by sharing helpful Scripture verses.

“He lives forever to intercede with God on their [the ones who come to God ] behalf. ]” (Hebrews 7:25b NLT)

In the same way that we stood in the gap for our son, Jesus stands in the gap for us. Because Jesus is alive forevermore, He continues interceding for us. Jesus prays for us.

“We have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.” (1 John 2:1 NLT)

“There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:5 NLT)

An advocate is one who stands in the place of those unable or unprepared to speak for themselves. For example, a lawyer represents someone in court, pleading their case on their behalf. Alienated from the perfect holiness of God, there is no way we sinners can approach Him and rid ourselves of our sin. Through His death on the cross, though, Jesus, perfect human that He was, earned the right to become the intermediary between us and God.

Once we are reconciled to God, Jesus, our great High Priest whose priesthood lasts forever, continues to intercede for us. The Accuser continually bombards us with negative thoughts that come to our minds. This enemy of our souls never quits his attacks. Good news! Jesus, our Advocate and great high priest never stops proclaiming our innocence before the Father! We are on the winning side.

Let’s be grateful that we have an advocate, Jesus Christ, who works on our behalf to make us all who God destined us to be. Hallelujah!

Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada