For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human,” 1 Timothy 2:5 NRSV.
Today’s verse, while seeming to state the obvious that there is One God and One Mediator, servers as a reminder. Often it is good for us to be reminded of the obvious to put things into perspective.
Every day we are faced with multiple gods, things that clamor for our attention, and attempt to redirect our desires away from the One (uppercase) God. This is nothing new, of course, since man’s fall in the Garden, man has searched for replacement gods to fill the void in not serving the true God. The would form idols out of wood, stone, silver, and gold to set on a shelf and worship. Men were creating gods, pitifully attempting to compete with God, who created man.
Jesus Christ is the One Mediator. We are good at recognizing that Jesus is the Son of God and that he gave his life for our salvation, but sometimes we lose track of the fact that he was human. In living life in human form, he experienced everything we experience; joy, sadness, hunger, exhaustion, anger, disgust, frustration -- all the same emotions we feel today. He also experienced trials and temptations. When we offer our prayers, sometimes in groans, because we can’t find the words, Jesus understands. He has been there! How fortunate we are to have Jesus as our intermediary, who can carry the contents of our hearts to God.
We give thanks to you today, our one true God. You are truly awesome, filling all space and time with your presence. We give you thanks for your Son, Jesus, who lived with us and continues to serve as our Mediator. In his human form, Chris experienced the same emotions, trials, and temptations we face. Despite our flaws and sins, he willingly gave himself for us. Through this mighty act of redemption, he provides the promise of an eternal bond with you, our creator. Please help us this day to remember our One God and our One Mediator. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
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