1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time.
I Timothy 2:1-6.
Verse 5 of today’s text is widely regarded as one of the most important verses in the Bible as it highlights two foundation stones of the Christian faith. First, we learn that there is “one God,” and only one, and second, we learn that there is “one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus.” One God and one mediator who bridges the vast chasm between God and us.
It’s an interesting Greek word translated here as “mediator.” It speaks of “a go-between,” and “a reconciler.” Here is one who brings about reconciliation between two parties who are hostile or estranged. And there is one person, and one person alone, qualified to make “at-onement” between a holy God and a fallen humanity. That one person is Christ Jesus!
It is only the God-man Christ Jesus who can faithfully represent God to us, and can faithfully represent us to God. He is our one and only mediator. With one foot planted in heaven and one foot planted in our world, Jesus has bridged the gulf. The Son of God took to himself our humanity so that he might offer himself to God as our representative. And through Jesus Christ we can now come boldly into the very presence of God (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Let us not be mistaken; God eagerly “desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” That means that the way home is open for any who will come to God. God’s arms are opened wide. And that is why as God’s upon us to pray for “everyone” that they might too come home to the Father.
Who would you pray for today, that they might come home?
MEDITATION
Soaking in Scripture…
Today’s Andy Moments…
