“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ, sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured.” (Colossians 4:12 NIV)
We mustn’t miss that this scripture is written about Epaphras, a servant of Jesus Christ. Yet when I first flipped open my devotional today, my still-heavy eyes saw “always wrestling in prayer” and pictured my Jesus, splayed over the Rock of Agony spending Himself in blood, sweat and tears.
Could it be that Epaphras, fellow servant in ministry, is a type of our Lord and Savior? Perhaps he serves as a physical reminder for both Paul and the reader, of the spiritual reality of our Savior’s constant intercession.
“Jesus Christ who died – more than that, who raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34 NIV)
Isn’t that what the Rock of Agony was all about? Yes, He wrestled with the will of God, but even more so, He wrestled with His love for us. We know He was victoriously obedient in His Father’s perfect plan. Yet, He presses on in prayer, putting full focus on our futures. The mind of Christ is continually fixed on our behalf.
What is it that He hopes for? The same end as Epaphras: firm standing with the Father, maturity and full assurance.
“…because He is always praying on their behalf.” (Hebrews 7:25 NIV)
I’m beginning to believe that the Lord led me all the way to Israel and to the Rock of Agony with more than one purpose. True, He shared His heartache two thousand years past, but also gave me a glimpse of His heart today. He’s still bent over in prayer through the dark night of this world, pleading with the Father on behalf of all our souls.
Today, in the midst of my own dark moment, my heart is quickened at at mental picture of my Lord murmuring prayers in the garden of my life. What comfort this is; the image of Him never leaving us entirely to our own broken devices. Just as Paul encouraged the Colossians with the exposure of a private prayer closet, so we are bolstered by the truth of Christ’s continuous petitions on our behalf.
“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet, the distance makes no difference; He is praying for me!” (Robert Murray M’Cheyene)
This morning, I needed to hear Jesus praying in the next room. I needed to know that He is still with me, for me and never against me.
Thank You, Lord, for still interceding on our behalf. You could have carried the cross and called it good; that alone was so much more than any man could ask. Yet You didn’t rest after Calvary, You turned Your full attention to intercession instead. Thank You for letting us see You amidst the words of Paul. Thank You for encouraging our heart amidst dark hours. May we, like Epaphras, become a model of Your praying heart for the world around us. Amen.