The Spiritual Chain Of Command

"one of His [Jesus'] disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John [the Baptist] also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one." - Luke 11:1-4

I was listening to someone praying and they addressed both God the Father and Jesus the Son in the same prayer as if they are the same. They are one but are not one and the same. There is a chain of command, roles and order of authority if you will. It got me thinking about the Trinity - something you don't hear much about these days. The Father, the Son and the Spirit. The Father sent the Son. [John 3:16] The Son returned to Heaven and then the Father sent the Spirit to replace the Son. [John 14:26] Jesus told his disciples to pray to the Father - just like Jesus did in the Garden [Matthew 26:39] and on Mount Calvary. [Luke 23:34] God the father begets life - He is the Source of life.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." - 1 John 3:1

Jesus is called the firstborn among many brothers and the Head of the church. [Ephesians 5:23]

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." - Romans 8:28-30

Jesus is our high priest making eternal intercession for us. Recall the high priest offered a blood sacrifice to atone for the sins of the nation. It is Jesus' own sacrifice and blood offering by which our sins are atoned - forever.

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:14-15

Jesus gives us access to the Father.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

The Spirit seals us [Ephesians 1:13], dwells in us [1 Corinthians 6;19], enables us spiritually [1 Corinthians 12] and prays with us and for us - to the Father.

"Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26

There you have it. A quick reminder of God's provision and order of things. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone