In the verses above we clearly see Jesus pouring out his heart to his Father. The next verses say that even though he was God’s Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, thus, God qualified him to become the source of eternal salvation for all who would obey him. When we look back at the beginning of the chapter, it teaches that every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and intercedes on their behalf. It says the priest is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people. 

Think about all of that in relation to Jesus, our Savior. We know from the Word that he was a man of prayer. There are many times when he would go away alone for his intimate time with his Father. When he prayed in the garden prior to going to the cross, he felt the intensity of the suffering he was about to endure and asked if it could pass from him. However, he said to his Father, “Not my will, but Yours.” He still had to suffer and die, but God did deliver him from death and the grave three days later. Now Jesus sits at the right hand of our Father as our High Priest, interceding to Him on our behalf. 

Every time we cry out to God, Jesus takes our petition before Him and pleads to Him on our behalf. Sometimes God answers our prayers as requested, but there are times when He tells His Son, “Not yet, there is a lesson to be learned.” Sometimes, when we are waiting on God to answer the petitions we pray for ourselves or others, He is waiting on us to come into compliance with Him. If we listen closely to the still small voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, we will hear him gently giving us divine direction so we can gain understanding and/or turn from our sinful ways. Through all of this, Jesus is our mediator, forever pleading to the Father on our behalf and gently guiding us in the right direction.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess that even though I pray to the Father in Your name, I rarely, if ever, stop to remember the fact that it is You who intercedes on my behalf. Please forgive me for the times I stress and try to get God’s attention. I know You are more than reliable to take my petitions to our Father and lead me in the steps I need to take in order to receive the “right” answers to my prayers. Rather than continually begging God to hear my cries, help me to listen for your gentle voice guiding me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Read and meditate on 1 Kings 19:11-12 and be reminded that you will hear God as you enter into His presence and listen to His gentle promptings. Spend some time with Him now . . . and listen.