The Mediator – 25 October 2021

Job attributed Satan’s ruthless attack on his health, family, property and livestock to God, who was seemingly punishing him. Job grappled. A lawsuit would not serve him well. God’s wisdom is profound and his power vast. He, Job, would not be able to answer or defend a single question. (Job 9:1-4)

Job utters a wish for someone – an arbitrator or mediator – who would be an impartial judge between him on earth and God in heaven. Someone able to bring him and God together to settle their differences. Only then would he be able to speak without fear. (Job 9:33-35) Job, in his personal capacity, has but a small chance because God is holy – the Almighty! Job knows that no man can win a case against God, or reach a stalemate. Why not then?

Sin. Our sin. The chasm that separates us from God for eternity. Only a suspension bridge – the death of Jesus Christ, God’s Son – could provide a safe crossing over the chasm. Do you hear that? Jesus is still the only bridge able to take you, me, and every person safely over the chasm to the other side where God awaits us. Jesus becomes the righteous Mediator between God and man. And the price of this mediation? “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

For this reason, Jesus Christ is the Mediator who guarantees a fair hearing: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6) Jesus, God’s Son, who became man, also became sin for us by dying on the cross for our transgressions. Only as a sinless man could he become the impartial Mediator to bridge the chasm. He alone could be counted worthy of reconciling heaven (God) and earth (man).

The question posed to you today: Have you been reconciled to God by accepting what Jesus did on the cross? (2 Corinthians 5:20b) You see, “[a] mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.” (Galatians 3:20). Thus if only one party is represented, the saving hands of the Mediator, Jesus Christ, are tied.

Job longed for someone who could take his punishment away. You need not lament any more over this matter. Invite the Mediator, Jesus Christ, into your life and reconcile with God.

Prayer: Father, thank you that our Mediator, Jesus Christ, gave his life so that we can live! Hallelujah! Amen