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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

One Mediator (1 Timothy 2.5)
Date Posted: February 23, 2021

Mere man cannot stand in the presence of Holy God. The contrast is so stark that it cannot be described nor fully understood by our finite minds. Moses was allowed to see a portion of God’s glory, but the effects of the event were such that the people who saw Moses later could not even look directly upon his face (see 2 Corinthians 3 for a fuller account). Both physically and spiritually there is such a gulf between God and man that a “bridge” is required to span this infinite gap. Jesus is that bridge even as today’s focus text assures us. You are invited to think with me on this sacred fact.

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2.5-7). This passage not only declares that Jesus is that mediator, it also speaks somewhat of the price that was paid to build that bridge, i.e. He gave Himself a ransom of all.

Generally speaking, mediators are go-betweens; they perform tasks that are essential to bring two sides into agreement. Without the mediator, the issues at hand would not be resolved. Such it is and was with Jesus Christ. Without His mediatorship the reconciliation of God and man could not and would not have occurred. No amount of effort on our part would have made this quest possible. Again, the gap between the two sides (God and man) is simply too great for man to span. Try as we might, whether individually or collectively, apart from a Mediator, this task was and is impossible!

Moses was (note the past tense here) a mediator (see Galatians 3.19) who stood between Israel and God (see Deuteronomy 5.5). However, his service was limited in scope, both in time (“till the promised seed should come”) and nationality (only to the Jewish people). Jesus, by contrast is The Mediator for all time and for all men. This fact is obvious in as much as Paul had just stated the fact that God “…desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2.4). Further to that point, Paul was appointed by the Lord as “…a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2.7).

From a “technical” standpoint there are many things that qualify Jesus to act as our mediator. However, the Hebrews writer points out one fact which, from a practical and needs standpoint, overrides all the rest. Jesus is not someone who “…cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” For that reason, we are assured that we can “…come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (see Hebrews 4.15-16).

As a weak and erring human being, I like the fact that my Mediator has experienced every type of temptation that I have to endure. I like the fact that He felt things that I feel up to and including the temptation to succumb to anger and frustration. I like the fact that He can fully empathize with each and every hurt that I may have. I like the fact that He occupies a place beside my heavenly Father and has His ear at all times. I like the fact that He has never lost a case when a penitent sinner has put himself into His hands.

Unlike a physician who might not be at his best when emotionally attached to his patients, this Mediator functions best when emotionally attached to His subjects. In fact it is His undying and unwavering love that compels Him to plead my case in the courts of heaven. I like that!

Questions:

1. What is a mediator? How was Moses a mediator?

2. Why can our mediator understand the trials and tribulations to which we are subjected?

3. What does love have to do with it – that is with the role of Jesus as mediator?

4. What relationship do believers have with Jesus? What relationship does Jesus have with God the Father? What does this common relationship have to do with His role as mediator and advocate?

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

Psalms 91:11

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.
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