1 Timothy 2:5-6a (NIV) “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”
MEDIATOR (def) - one that reconciles differences between disputants.
RANSOM (def) - to pay a stipulated price and so obtain the release of (prisoners, property, etc.); to set free (prisoners, property, etc.) upon receiving the payment demanded; to redeem; rescue Christ ransomed men from sin.
When there is a dispute between two or more parties, many times a mediator will be called in to bring the sides together. They oversee the negotiation that takes place until an agreement can be reached. This is what Christ was to us. He was and is our savior, by virtue of His death on the cross. Plus He was the go-between; the only thing separating us from God and the fiery hell we deserved. Christ lobbied for us as a lawyer would lobby for his client. He spoke up for us to the Father. He represented us and voluntarily took our place, taking the punishment that was meant for us due to our disobedience of God’s Law.
The rule set forth by Almighty God Himself was a blood sacrifice to pay for sin. In the OT, the sacrifices made only covered the sins of God’s people, they didn’t remove them. Christ’s blood did what no animal sacrifice could do, wash away any sins committed. It stands as the definitive act of mercy and grace as administered by our Heavenly Father. God’s Son pay the ransom owed for our sin. It was a debt we could never pay. It is only once we realize that fact that we can begin to understand what Christ’s ultimate sacrifice means to us.
To put it into modern ways and means, we are the ones who deserved the lethal injection; we are the ones who deserved to be executed. So the One who knew no sin, became sin for us. He took on the burden of all of mankinds sin. Not just yours and mine, but all of mankind. What a tremendous, unthinkable burden that must have been. And what had He done to deserve this punishment? Nothing. He wasn’t forced to do it. He willingly went to the cross, but only after He had ministered on earth for 3 years; healing the sick, causing blind eyes to see; making lame men walk; raising dead to new life; meeting the needs of the masses that followed Him.
Reflect on the price that was paid for your soul. Understand that this life on earth in this tent of flesh is temporal. There is an eternity. There is a place we will go after we pass from this world. We can live as we choose, ignoring “the gift” of sin cleansing through acceptance of Christ and all He did for us or we can indulge in all the pleasures this world has to offer. The pleasures of this world are for but a season. Someday a payment will be required of us. The payment has been made, but many will not receive it, brushing it aside as if it were nothing.
If someone offered you a million dollars cash right now you would take it in a heartbeat, but because you cannot see God and His Creation all around you, you scoff at it. Consider God.
When you are alone, ask Him with sincerity in your heart to reveal Himself. He wants you to find Him far more than you may want to be found, not realizing your need of Him. Place your trust in the One Who can change your life forever. The end justifies the journey taken. You will never be the same and you will never regret your decision.
TAKE A WALK WITH THE KING AND BE BLESSED.
No comments:
Post a Comment