Verse of the Day 3/24

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)  For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. ⁶ He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

 

When we see or use the term "mediator" we commonly think of someone who comes in to help settle a dispute between two parties, acting as a go between to try to bring the parties together.  We see this in relationships between individuals, corporations, and groups.  Sometimes one party or both are stubborn and will hold out to the detriment of all involved.  We've seen this happen recently in sports where part of a season had to be cancelled and in the past where a whole season may have been lost.

 

Jesus Christ came as the Mediator to reconcile, to clear the books, clean the slate between God and man.  19th century pastor James Smith wrote the following about Jesus as the Mediator:

 

"The Mediator must be one who has ability to prevail with and reconcile men. He must have power . . .to subdue the stubborn will, to cleanse the filthy nature, and to bring the rebel at a humble suppliant to the divine throne! He must be willing to undertake this great and arduous work, and to go through with it, let it cost what it may of toil, suffering, and power. He must also be acceptable to both parties: God must approve of Him and be satisfied with Him; and man must acquiesce in his appointment, office, and work.He must be able to meet and fulfill all the conditions of the covenant . . .obeying the precepts of the law, suffering its dreadful penalty, and new-creating the rebel man.He must therefore be GOD — or how could He . . .deal with God, undertake for millions of sinners, and deliberately engage in such an dreadful work?"

 

Think of that, He has the ability to prevail and reconcile, stubborn wills and filthy nature.  Has He done this in your life?  Is there an area of your life that needs to be turned over to the Mediator?  He gives us the power to overcome our stubborn wills and free us to truly live.  Think of what He went through to do this for us, thank Him for it, praise Him for it.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

 

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT) Instructions about Worship

2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. ⁵ For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.⁶ He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.⁷ And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I'm not exaggerating—just telling the truth.