Our Mediator

A mediator is a person who brings about reconciliation between two parties. They work to bring about a peaceful solution and resolve conflicts that have happened due to actions taken by either person.

Abigail acted as a mediator between her husband Nabal and David. Her humility and self-sacrifice were reflections of her faith. We also have a mediator that acts on our behalf.

“Just as Abigail placed herself between David and Nabal, Jesus placed Himself between God and us. Just as Abigail volunteered to be punished for Nabal’s sins, Jesus allowed Heaven to punish Him for yours and mine. (1Timothy 2:5-6) Just as Abigail turned away the anger of David, Christ shielded us from the wrath of God. Though healthy, He took our disease upon Himself. Though diseased, we who accept His offer are pronounced healthy. The result? More than just pardoned, we are declared innocent. We enter Heaven not with healed hearts but with His heart.”

“Christ lived the life we could not live and took the punishment we could not take to offer the hope we cannot resist. His sacrifice begs us to ask this question: If He so loved us, can we not love each other? Having been forgiven, can we not forgive? Having feasted at the table of grace, can we not share a few crumbs? My dear friends, if God loved us like this, then certainly ought we to love each other?” (1 John 4:11) – (Max Lucado)

Abigail’s home had been threatened and she chose to be a mediator and work towards a peaceful outcome. When we are wronged we too have the option to place ourselves as mediator and prevent further wrongs from being done or be instigators and amplify the conflict.

Can you imagine drawing a sword and going after someone who insulted you, refused to help you or wronged you in some way? That seems rash and extreme, but when we respond in anger our words become a sword.

If we remember the grace that Christ has shown to us we can respond in humility and wisdom as a mediator should. Our words have the power of life and death. With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth came praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10)

Instead we can be God’s definition of a mediator which is a person that has the wisdom that comes from heaven which is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:7-8)

My Prayer

Jesus, thank you for taking my sins and paying the ultimate cost for them. I know that You sit at the Father’s right hand and continue to intercede for me because of Your love for me. Help me to follow Your example and to choose peace when I’m wronged and speak words that will bring about Your righteous will. Forgive my arrogance and pride and teach me to humbly submit to You. Help me to forgive others and pray that they will choose You and know You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

1 John 4:11

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”