The definition of the word succor means to assist and support in times of hardship and distress.
There’s no denying that we all were and are at times in need of succoring. We were in desperate need of divine intervention. Sin had left us battered and hopeless. We had no one to turn to because we were all in the same boat. We needed a Savior who not only understood but who could offer us a permanent way out of the distresses of life. The writer of Hebrews had this to say about Jesus our Succorer:
“Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death–that is, the devil– And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives. For, as we all know, He [Christ] did not take hold of angels [the fallen angels, to give them a helping and delivering hand], but He did take hold of [the fallen] descendants of Abraham [to reach out to them a helping and delivering hand]. [Isa. 41:8, 9.] So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people's sins. For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].”
Hebrews 2:14-18 AMPC
He, Jesus, because He took on humanity is able to assist, relieve, (succor) those who are helpless in our testing and suffering. Do you see that? We are no longer without hope and help. We have a permanent Succorer in Jesus the Faithful. All we need to do is speak His Name in faith, and because He understands what we’re going through, He runs to our aid. If we’re suffering alone, it’s purely by choice or a lack of knowledge of what we have and who we are in Christ Jesus. Let’s look at other scriptures that speak to Jesus as our Succorer.
“For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation! [Isa. 49:8.]”
2 Corinthians 6:2 AMPC
Everywhere you read the word help, assist or come along side us You’re seeing the word succor. There will never be a time in our walk with Jesus that we don’t need succoring. Our ability to overcome is bound up in His helping us. We’ll never outgrow our need of and for Him. The beauty of all this is that we have a better deal than the Old Testament believers. The Succorer came upon them at times. We have Him permanently indwelling us. And according to Jesus He will be in us and with us forever! Forever is a long long time. John 14:16
Let’s continue on in identifying our Succorer in other scriptures.
“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I AM with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. [Acts 18:10.]”
Isaiah 41:10 AMPC
“But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, [Gen. 48:15; Deut. 32:4; Isa. 9:6; 49:26.] By the God of your father, Who will help you, and by the Almighty, Who will bless you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.”
Genesis 49:24-25 AMPC
How many times can you identify our Succorer in those verses? This was Jacob’s blessing of Joseph. A full reminder of how God had kept him during the time of his enslavement, and blessed him beyond measure. When God comes alongside us, it’s more than a simple rescue, it’s a deliverance. A deliverance that’s all encompassing. Restoring and healing. Mind blowingly (I made a word) awesome! We can not describe His greatness. Like Jacob, we will struggle to find the words. Like Joseph we’ll stand in amazement at how He causes us to forget and be fruitful all at the same time! What a mighty God we serve! Hallelujah!
“The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. The Lord is their [unyielding] Strength, and He is the Stronghold of salvation to [me] His anointed.”
Psalm 28:7-8 AMPC
“But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble. And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him.”
Psalm 37:39-40 AMPC
Have you experienced or are you experiencing His succoring? Isn’t He wonderful? He’s always present. The psalmist says He’s our present help in trouble. Go ahead, speak His Name, did you feel Him drawing near? Say His sweet Name again. Do you hear Him whisper I AM is here for you? Whenever you say His Name, the Holy Spirit connects us to Him. It doesn’t matter the time, circumstance or situation, He’s with you and in you by His Spirit forever. Draw upon His endearing love. Feast on His promises, embrace His nearness. He’s the One who succors us.
Father in the Name of Jesus,
Remind us when life’s struggles seek to overwhelm us, that You’re already present in us. We don’t have to go anywhere searching for you, we only need to whisper Your Name. Thank you for succoring us. We don’t have to be afraid or feel helpless and hopeless, You’ve got us. What a joy is ours, leaning on Your everlasting arms. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant