By Miguel Lara

James Dobson, in his Family Legacy Series simulcast, talked about his personal family legacy. He told the story of his great-grandfather G. W. McCluskey, who was born in 1862. Dobson said that his great-grandfather was a prayer warrior; he prayed daily for his family, for those born, and specifically for those not yet born. Toward the end of his life, McCluskey said the Lord promised him that four generations of his family were going to be Christians. 

Dobson’s great-grandfather was interceding for James even before he was born. McCluskey was aware of the sacred obligation of praying on behalf of others and of the promise that Jesus made to be present in great power whenever the community of faith is truly gathered in his name (Matthew 18:20). 

Approach with Confidence

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Isn’t it comforting to know that when we pray for someone, we are not left alone but we are backed up by the eternal intercessor? 

In Romans 8:34 we read that Christ Jesus is interceding for us. This indeed gives us confidence when we approach the throne of God. As a result we are enabled to pray for others with an entirely new authority. Ambrose of Milan wrote, “Unless he intercedes, there is no intercourse with God, either for us or for all Saints.”

King and High Priest

In the book of Hebrews, Jesus was designated by God to be high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, which means “King of Righteousness” (a name echoing kingly and priestly functions). What does this mean and what are the implications for our lives? 

Jesus has a role as a representative on behalf of people, playing a unique role in our relationship with God. This divine decree makes him both the authority and the answer to our deepest need—to have a healthy relationship with God. n

Miguel Lara, a minister from Venezuela, is working on a Master of Divinity at Cincinnati Christian University. He and his wife, Alejandra, have three children, Andreina, Sabrina, and David Alejandro.