When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. – 1 Samuel 25: 23-25.

If you’re not familiar with the story of Abigail, it’s a remarkable showcase of the power of intercession.

When David traveled to the wilderness of Moan, he and his men came across a man named Nabal.

Because Nabal was a wealthy man with lots of sheep and goats, David sent him messengers to peacefully ask that he share some of his provisions.

But even though David’s men reminded Nabal that David had treated him well in the past, Nabal scoffed at the request and refused to share any of his goods.

When the message got back to David, he was so furious that he set out to slaughter Nabal and his whole family for his lack of generosity and consideration.

The only thing that prevented the wrath of David from annihilating Nabal was Abigail.

Similarly, there were several occasions when Moses and other leaders had to intercede for the Israelites to prevent God from destroying them.

So reflecting on these stories, we can clearly see who intercession is for:

• The pigheaded and obstinate
• The evil-hearted
• The unforgiving
• The disobedient and disrespectful
• The proud and haughty
• The jealous-spirited
• The cruel-hearted
• The judgmental

Intercession is not for righteous people who are without sin. It is for people who don’t really deserve it.

It’s for people who are so far off course spiritually and morally that they’re completely oblivious to the dire consequences of their actions.

And since none of us are exempt from sin, that means we each fall into one or more of the categories listed above.

We all need an intercessor.

That’s why God, in His loving mercy, sent Jesus to die on the cross for us and bear the burden of our sins.

And the amazing thing about it is that Jesus didn’t have to intercede for us.

He did it out of love.

So if we’re going to be followers of Christ, we must be willing to carry the mantle of interceding for others.

When others sin against us or show us hostility, we must be careful not to take offense lest we become bitter, angry, overly hurt, inclined to retaliate, or to withhold love.

We have to intercede in prayer for those who we observe are off course just like Christ interceded for us.

As you bring your prayers to God today, intercede in love for a few people you feel could use some spiritual nurturing. If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and you recognize that you’ve missed the mark and need an intercessor, today’s a great day to accept Him into your life to rule and reign over your heart!

Be blessed,

Alexia