The Worthy Intercessor (Part 2)

 Message: THE WORTHY INTERCESSOR (Part 2) by Apostle Dr. Emma Innocent

Contemporary N.T Intercessors:

Let look at briefly, individuals in modern church history that distinguished themselves as worthy intercessors in their time. 

i. Daniel Nash (A.k.a Father Nash): 

He lived between 1775 - 1831. He served as Charles Finney personal intercessor. He was key to the revival that followed Charles' ministry. When God would direct where a meeting was to be held, Father Nash would enter the town secretly with few intercessors, and travail for God to move in the town. 

Leonard Ravenhill made a story about him: "I met an old lady who told me a story about Charles Finney that has challenged me over the years. Finney went to Bolton to minister, but before he began, two men knocked on the door of her humble cottage, wanting lodging. The poor woman looked amazed, for she had no extra accommodation. Finally, for about 25 cents a week, the two men (Father Nash and Abel Clary), rented a dark and damp cellar for the period of the Finney meetings (at least 2 weeks) and there in that self-chosen cell, these prayer partners battled the forces of darkness. 

On another occasion when Finney got a town for a revival, a lady contacted him and said, 'bro Finney, do you know a Father Nash? He and two other men have been at my boarding house for the last 3 days, but they haven't eaten a bite of food. I opened the door and peeped in at them because I could hear them groaning, and I saw them down on their faces. They have been this way for 3 days, lying prostrate on the floor and groaning. I thought something awful must have happened to them. I was afraid to go in and I didn't know what to do. Would you please come see about them? No, it isn't necessary, Finney replied. "They just have a spirit of travail in prayer".

Record had it that tangible cloud of glory followed his ministry. Sadly, when Father Nash died, no one could replace his kind, and the glory wanned in Charles Finney's ministry. Never joke with a worthy intercessor. 

ii. Praying John Hyde (1865-1912):

An intercessor for India, his famous prayer was "Oh God, give me souls or I die!". He prayed so much that revival power broke out in 1904 that touched many missionaries and people's life forever, changing the spiritual landscape of India. At his death in 1912, his body bearing the marks of his life of prayer. Some said, he died on the posture of a praying man. His last words were: "shout the victory of Jesus Christ".

iii. George Muller (1805-1898): 

A legendary prayer warrior, who according to his autobiography, had over 5,000 request answered on the day he prayed for them. Muller had 5 friends who were far from Christ, and he committed to prayer for them daily until they were part of God's family. After a few months, the first man came to Christ. Within 10 years, two more had come to faith. After 25 years, the 4th man was saved. But the 5th man was a holdout, so Muller continued to pray for him every single day for 63 years and 8 months. Muller eventually died, and before his coffin was placed in the soil, his 5th friend committed his life to Jesus. 

iv. Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904-1959):

A prominent Nigerian prayer warrior that opened the spiritual atmosphere in Nigeria that birthed men like Arch-bishop Benson Idahosa. Many encounter stories were spoken of him, one of which he was on a mountain praying for days, and a snake touched his body and dried up instantly. Due to his praying power, notable mountains of prayer where multitude go to for retreat, has been established by him in the Western part of Nigeria. 

The Perils of an Intercessor:

The first counter-attacks of the enemy is usually against the intercessors. This chapter is deliberate so you won't think just because you pray, you will  e completely shielded from attacks. 

The life of an intercessor is a calling. It is important to know that it is a calling, and not just random believer making intercession for people. Not all who makes intercession are intercessors but all intercessors make intercession. 

Below are significant perils you must go through as an intercessor. Embrace them and let God bring out the best from it:

1. Spiritual Warfare and Attacks: 

This is the best Satan can do. If you don't get spiritual attacks, you sure you are doing exercise that doesn't attract heaven. 

Daniel stood in the gap for Israelites in Babylon but was attacked. His prayers was also hindered. It was all in the bid to make him stop. When you notice sudden weakness to pray, that is spiritual attack. When you notice enemies rising everywhere against you, that's a sign of Spiritual attack. Daniel was attacked for his faith and because he prayed. Conspiracy was set against him but he prevailed. Christ has promised us all-round victory - Luke 10:18. All you need is to abide in Him. When you feel weak, mingle with prayer warriors. Iron shapens iron - Prov. 27:17.

2. Isolation:

Someone said, "it is lonely at the top". Most fervent intercessors fall into this trap of loneliness. At a point you feel the weight of the people is all on your shoulder. That can make you feel " abandoned ". You are not alone. 

Eijah felt that way, and even asked God to kill him - 1 Kings 19:10, 18. God reminded him that while he felt alone, He has remnants. Beloved, you are not alone, and always reject loneliness. It breeds depression. This is why every intercessor must surround themselves with fellow warriors. Don't do life alone. Elijah was always abandoning his servants. He loves to be a lone prophet. You will burn out if you do like Elijah. There is a proverb that says 'if you alone, you willl fast but if you go with like-minded people, you will fo far'. 

3. Pride:

This is a major danger zone for intercessor. It is awesome that God answered your prayer but care must be taken not to ascribe special power to yourself. Always be mindful to thank Him - 1 Pet. 5:6. One of the ways to avoid this peril is by maintaining a disposition or posture of thanksgiving. 

4. Physical Attacks:

Attacks on health is another serious issue to watch out for. Don't burn out yourself. Fast often but make sure it doesn't take a big toll on your health. Know when to rest. 1 Cor. 15:32

5. Impurities of the heart:

Mt. 5:8, 11:6. Keep your heart pure from offense or sins of the hearts like  bitterness, hatred. A life of sin will set you up for great danger. You cannot depopulate hell and play with sin. 

The Reward of an Intercessor:

As much as we have perils that comes to us, so also God gives open rewards to us. The call to intercessory life is an honourable call. It is a service upto God first, then to humans. 

John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my father honour."

Below are some open rewards for being a worthy intercessor:

1. Heightened Supernatural Encounters:

1 Tim. 5:17. Those who do business of souls are marked for supernatural encounters. Daniel experienced strange encounters with Angels and spiritual beings. The priesthood ministry that focuses on intercession is a ministry with greater supernatural manifestation. Apostle Paul had strange encounters in the spirit realms and heard words that unlawful for humans to say - 2 Cor. 12:4.

By heighten supernatural encounters, your eyes will be open to see what others can't see. You hear what others cannot hear. You're marked out for open visions. You also get impacted with revelational gifts (which are the word of knowledge, wisdom and discerning of spirits) - 1 Cor. 12:5-7. Also the scripture will become an open book. Mysteries will be dissolved before thee. 

2. Deeper Faith and Intimacy:

Jn. 12:26b "If any man serves me... where I am, there shall also my servant be"

A worthy intercessor is brought to closer walk with God. You stand where God stands. There's no greater honour than that. This is not just positional authority but it is experiential one. You can boldly say like Prophet Elijah "God...Whom I stand" and Paul "...Whose I am and whom I serve" Acts 27:23, 1 Kings 17:1.

Where do you stand? Not all priests stand with God, not all believers qualifies to make such statement. Joshua the high priest in Zech. 3 got disqualified though he was Israel's high priest at the time. After God took away his filthy garments and clothed him, hear what the Angel of the LORD said to him, 

"Zec 3:7 KJV Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by."

His 'courts' is a call to intercession. God promised Joshua if he takes his priesthood seriously, he will secure a special place for him among his favorite. Beloved, God has favorites. The right hand of God is where Christ is, that's the side that his favorite stand. When you are a mediator as Christ is, then you can fully say"as he is, so am I in this world.' 1Jn.4:17.

Intercessors see the wonders of faith that moves mountains. They see the impossible possible. They move the hand of God in any situation. The blessed Dr Uma Ukpai once said, "if God refuse to move, move Him." Only an intercessor and worshipper can talk like that. 

3. Speedy Character Transformation:

A worthy intercessor enjoys grace that helps align their character to God's standard. It gives them grace to be compassionate, patience and love towards others, even their enemies - Mt. 5:44. An intercessor save lives, not destroy them. So, the grace to forebear people, believing that they will come to the knowledge of Christ. 

4. Unusual Favour:

They enjoy favour and honour as a result of their servi4

God restored and favoured Job with double honour because of his intercessory ministry. Some certain honour can only come to you when you're an intercessor. If what concerns God moves you then what concerns you moves Him. 

2 Tim. 2:12 "if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.. "

There are those who before they call, God answers. These are worthy intercessors. Isa. 65:24.

5. Great reward in heaven:

Those who water the seed sown are guaranteed of a great reward. The preacher is not greater than the intercessor. Dan. 12:3, 2 Tim. 4;7-8.

... to be continued

Apostle Dr. Emma C. Innocent

President, THERISTES MINISTRIES INT'LL & GLOBAL INTERCESSORS FOR CHRIST (GIFOC) TEAM. 

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