One Mediator

News from sports, labor relations, and nations has made use aware of the function of a mediator. In these cases, two or more sides are brought together by the mediator because conflict has arisen to the extent that the sides cannot resolve the issues directly between themselves. The mediator works on behalf of both sides to find resolution that brings the parties together as one mind.

I Timothy 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” Only Jesus Christ can bridge the gap between God and man. With the price of His own blood, Jesus redeemed us and delivered us from the just punishment for our sin.

Consolation

When someone close to you is suffering, what actions do you take to console them? What words are appropriate and will be well received. Some people prove to be trusted friends in these situations. When we are hurt, we want someone to help us deal with the pain, most likely someone who has suffered in a similar way.

Revelation 7:17 says, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” For all eternity Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, will protect, provide, and care for all those who place their trust in Him. He deeply knows, understands, and feels our pains, troubles, hurts, and struggles. Jesus suffered in every way that we do. He will personally wipe the tears from our eyes and in eternity keep tears from forming ever again.

Vision of Heaven

We all have a vision for our future. We have goals that we want to achieve. Sometimes, we can almost see the future of our lives. Of course, none of this is set in stone. Our goals may change due to our choice or circumstances beyond our control. However, we do have a vision of heaven given first by God to the apostle John and then written down for us in God’s Word.

John was given a vision of eternity and heaven when he wrote, “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.” Every creature will utter these praises to God. Many will do it out of celebration of eternity with God. Others will utter these praises out of sadness, fear, desperation, and regret for having rejected God throughout their lives and then being separated from Him for eternity.

America’s Pasttime

I am a huge baseball fan. Baseball is called “American’s Pasttime”, but I know that several other things rank above baseball in the american psyche. I would rank sleeping above baseball as a beloved pasttime. God created us in such a way that He knew that we would need rest. Our bodies and minds cannot withstand the types of stress that we place upon ourselves today. We need rest and God created the Sabbath for us, instructing us to rest.

Psalm 121:3-4 says, “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber not sleep.” God is vigilant in His care of us. He never takes a moment of rest away from giving us grace and mercy, providing for our needs, protecting us from evil, and steadfastly loving us. God is not frail, like us, and does not need nor take rest.

Reputation of Being Alive

In ancient times, the city of Sardis was sacked twice when the watchmen on the walls failed to detect an enemy army sneaking up to its “impregnable” cliffs and walls. We all know of famous people, who with smooth speech sounded good to the masses. However, their lives were wrecked by scandals caused by wicked motives in the hearts.

In Revelation 3:1-3 Jesus speaks to the church of Sardis saying, “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.” God is more concerned about what is in your heart than in what you do. Make sure your heart is strengthened in the Lord, by remembering what you have heard from God and becoming like Him. Ask God to keep guard over your soul. Don’t fall asleep when guarding your heart.