Consider the meaning of impinge: "to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision." And consider the meaning of importunity: "the state of being troublesomely urgent in request or demand." [- Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary]
How did God lay upon Christ all our iniquity (Isa 53:6)? By the sharp collision of the nails on the cross through his hands and feet. It was an urgent, importunate mandate.
How does Christ make intercession for us, the transgressors (Isa 53:12)? It is not a light encounter. He impinges on the very heart of God.
More shades of the meaning of “intercession” are gleaned from I Timothy 2:1: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men...” There is a progression here.
1. A supplication is “imploring God’s aid in some particular matter.”
2. Prayers or prayer is a word encompassing the general practice of praying to God.
3. Intercessions, however, are the reaching, pressing entreaties, and thanksgivings will surely follow on their heels.
Let us mark this distinction as we consider our goal in this Bible study of becoming better intercessors.