The Ideal Mediator Series

2/3/08 – The Ideal Mediator

Do you remember what it was like to be horsing around in a dark bedroom after you were supposed to be asleep and then suddenly your dad flipped on the light? You stood like a frozen statue, blinking in the shock of having been caught and desperately needing someone to speak on your behalf. Well, we all need some one to speak for us to God because everyone of us has been caught and exposed by the light of God’s word. We all need some one that is trusted by God who knows us intimately and cares for us deeply. That person is Jesus. There is none better in all in all of the earth, in any generation, or in any era of time.

Proverbs

Proverbs are great truths uncovered with a few words strung together like pearls on a necklace. Like diamonds set into a bracelet they grace a wrist and are stunningly beautiful. The truth of a proverb lights up a darkened mind or a confused soul with brilliant understanding.

Consider the following proverbs that reveal great truths with a few simple words

Let us live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.

All too often, a clear conscience is merely the results

of a bad memory.

Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of virtue.

The most valuable gift you can give another is nothing you can

make or buy, just share the plan of salvation.

Never give the devil a ride, he will always want to drive.

Some people reach the top of the ladder of success only to

find it is leaning against the wrong wall.

The happiness of every country depends upon the character of

its people, rather than the form of its government.

Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who

have the most live the longest.

The first rule of holes is when you are in one, stop digging.

Great minds discuss ideas;

Average minds discuss events;

Small minds discuss people.

Now let us consider a proverb that the author of this great letter of Hebrews has penned.

The word of God is sharper than a two edged sword

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13

What is this truth? What does it expose that was hidden? What is revealed and why does it reveal it?

According to Hebrews the Word of God is Living (resurrection life). It is the word that is used to describe the resurrection. You can’t get more alive than that! The word of God is Active – which means effective, or capable and able to bring something about. It is a powerful tool.

It cuts incisively into the body and separates joints and marrow. A sword can remove a limb or take off a head and if it’s sharp enough it can slice right through the bone like a meat cleaver.

All of this is significant because of what the word of God does. It is the word of God that judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It exposes all that is hidden.

And frankly this is a problem. This proverbs reveals one thing – We’re in trouble – deep trouble with God – and we need help to make things right.

We need a mediator. Someone who can stand between two who are disconnected who’s relationship is broken and bring them back into communion with one another.

Jesus is the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

Hebrews 4:14

In his book "What’s so Amazing About Grace," Philip Yancey tells a story about a man and wife who one night had an argument about how supper was cooked. It was so heated that night they slept in separate rooms. Neither has approached the other to say “I’m sorry” or to offer forgiveness, and they have remained in separate rooms years after the argument. Each night they go to bed hoping that the other will approach them with an apology and forgiveness, but neither goes to the other.

Here are two people who desperately want reconciliation but cannot exercise the will necessary to bring it about. God wants to be friends with all of humankind. God has forgiven us and he asks us to accept his forgiveness so we can be his friends.