THE ONE MEDIATOR

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, NIV).

In the industrial world, skillful mediators are essential for the effective resolution of disputes between management and labor.

The intrusion of sin into our world gave rise to alienation and separation from God. The harmonious connection that had previously existed between God and the human family was ruptured. Adam and Eve, unable to face a holy God, hid themselves from His presence (see Genesis 3:8). To restore the lost relationship, God sent His Son to be the Redeemer and mediator.

God's redemption strategy required the giving of His only begotten Son to come to an alien planet, become one with the human race, live a sinless life, and then die a vicarious death. Through His death, He became the effective "go between." He alone could be a mediator between God and man, for He alone possessed both divinity and humanity.

On the cross, Jesus reached up with His divinity and grasped his Father's outstretched hand. At the same time, He reached down in His humanity to seize the sin-stained hand of a prodigal world. And there on the cross He reconciled the two--God and man--through His wounded body (see 1 Peter 3:18). Surely, this is what Paul meant when he wrote, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19, NKJV). Calvary enables the sinner through his repentance and faith to be "at one" with God (see Romans 5:11). "It is only through Jesus, whom the Father gave for the life of the world, that the sinner may find access to God. Jesus alone is our Redeemer, our Advocate and Mediator; in Him is our only hope for pardon, peace, and righteousness."--God's Amazing Grace. p. 183.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because the able "Go-Between" has reconciled me to You, I thank You for this blood-bought provision. Amen.