For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV
The Context and Charge:
Paul was writing here to his young protégé, Timothy. He had found the young man at some point in his missionary journey, mentored him, and by his own personal example, prayed for the young man. It is recorded that Timothy was given a gift of God through the prayers and laying on of hands by Paul. It is this example that lays the foundation of today's extract. The chapter from which today's extract is taken starts with that clear exhortation: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. Hete, enemies, strangers, friends, neighbours and the world in general are all covered. Have I learnt the power that prayer holds?
If I am to experience that power, I must know the One who has that power. How do I access it? How do I enjoy it? The answer is in today's extract: the One called the mediator, the man Jesus Christ. See how he is described: the man. Maybe if he was presented as the Lord Jesus, we would have struggled to identify with him, but he came like us, lived like us, died in our place and then now lives forever, so we can taste all that He is and has. His humanity is His greatest offering. This tells us that He knows and understands our weakneses and struggles, and He can help us overcome, just as He overcame. Is there any area of my life that requires God's intervention? The man Jesus is sufficient for whatever season may come.
The Contention and Conclusion:
You do not need a mediator if there has not been a prior quarrel. A mediator is defined as: 'a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement; a go-between'. This must be a person who understands both sides because He has walked in both sides. No wonder he is called the man Jesus. He is God; at the same time, also man. He is in the best position to be a good advocate for us. He is God, so He understands and knows the heart of God the Father, has experienced the pain of sin and can then offer us the help that we need. Have I recognized my need for help or do I think I can make it on my own?
In those words today is a note of caution too: the source of the conflict must have been pretty serious for Jesus to die. It was such a high price to pay that for the first and last time, Jesus knew his father forsook him in the hours that he bore our sin. Jesus paid the penalty for my restoration; what help can I access if I reject the only one who God listens to when he presents my case before His Father? If Jesus cannot mediate on my behalf, who else can? One God and One Mediator. All other options will fail. Jesus' CV reads well: He has been doing this for a while now; this earthly life is the platform for his work. The time comes soon when I will enjoy the eternal benefits of his work. May my life be a reflection of the amazing work of mediation that Jesus came to do. God's time of favour is here.
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