We are here shown the efficacy of prayer. This cross intercession of Christ for his enemies met with a marked and definite answer. The answer is seen in the conversion of the three thousand souls on the Day of Pentecost. I base this conclusion on Acts 3:17 where the apostle Peter says,
“And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.”It is to be noted that Peter uses the word “ignorance,” which corresponds with our Lord’s “they know not what they do.” Here, then, is the divine explanation of the three thousand converted under a single sermon. It was not Peter’s eloquence that was the cause but the Saviour’s prayer. And, Christian reader, the same is true of us. Christ prayed for you and me long before we believed in him. Turn to John 17:20 for proof.
“Neither pray I for these alone [the apostles], but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;”Let us too make intercession for the enemies of God.
In praying for His enemies, not only did Christ set before us a perfect example of how to treat those who wrong and hate us, but He taught us never to regard any as beyond the reach of our prayers. If Christ prayed for His murderers, then surely we have encouragement to pray for the very chief of sinners! Christian reader, never lose hope. Does it seem a waste of time for you to continue praying for that man, that woman, that wayward child of yours? Does their case seem to become more hopeless every day? Does it look as though they had gotten beyond the reach of Divine mercy? Remember then the Cross. Christ prayed for His enemies. Learn then not to look on any as beyond the reach of prayer.” ~ A.W. Pink
• The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross, by A.W. Pink pages 20,21
