TGIF

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

A memorable scene in Lord of the Rings is the throne room of King Theoden. His advisor, Grima Wormtongue, has poisoned the King’s view of outsiders. At every chance, Grima whispers in the King’s ear, speaking against, well, everyone.

Here, in Romans 8:34, we are presented with an entirely different situation. Jesus, crucified by the people He came to save, now sits at the right hand of the power in glory. Though He would be entitled to speak of our evil, our sin and our unworthiness to be in God’s presence. Instead, Christ intercedes.

What does He whisper to the Father? Forgive them, they know not what they do. And the Father is pleased to listen to the Son. Indeed, He sent the Son for this very thing.

Right now, for those who trust in Him, Christ is speaking for us before the Father. Not of our inherent goodness, but that we are His and covered by His blood. Let’s give thanks for His intercession.

For Today:

• Do you picture Christ at the right hand of the Father?
• Why do you need to hear this today?
• Reflect on Jesus’ intercession for you.

Pray:

• Praise the Father for His compassion and justice.
• Give thanks for Christ who intercedes for us daily.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit, to help us be thankful and to sin no longer.