Jesus: Our
Mediator
Dear
Friends,
This week we will bring our thoughts on the role of
Jesus as our mediator to a close. There is much more
to be said on the subject, but there are other things
that need our attention also. We have spent these last
few weeks answering possible objections to our
conjecture as to what Jesus is and is not doing now.
One of the last objections we would like to handle is,
once again, a matter of interpretation. We readily
admit that there are many passages that, if we wish to
read them that way, do support the model of Jesus
pleading our cause or passing our prayers. Yet, we
would emphasize that it is IF we wish to read them
that way.
Take as an example Luke 13:7-9. It reads "Then said
he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these
three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and
find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone
this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung
it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after
that thou shalt cut it down." We
understand this to a
metaphor for Jesus' three year ministry to the nation
of
them. Is Jesus saying that his Father is being too
harsh in wanting to cut it down? No one knew better
than Jesus the rotten condition of this "tree." He
spoke to the subject his entire ministry. The plea is
not for God to change his judgment on the nation, but
Jesus for asking for more time to work on the
ill-fated tree. "Give ME more time," Jesus is saying,
"but if it doesn't produce then cut it down."
So many passages can be read one way or the other. We
read of Job praying for his friends (Job 42:8-9). We
read of Abraham dickering with God over the number of
the righteous in
way or the other. If we tend to read them one way,
perhaps it is because we have been trained to read
them that way. If we look at these with a new
paradigm on the role of Christ, perhaps we will
interpret them another way.
In the end, we have to ask ourselves what kind of God
are we worshipping and what kind of Savior is His son?
What kind of relationship do they have with each
other in heaven? Are they at odds with one another?
Is God using Jesus as a "workaround" for his
"problems" or "constraints?" Are they not in perfect
agreement and unity of purpose? Are they not both
working tirelessly for our salvation and ultimate
well-being?
Jesus is working on his spiritual creation just as God
worked on his natural creation. David's son, Jesus is
building a spiritual house of prayer now just as
David's son, Solomon, built a natural house of prayer.
Jesus is a spiritual shepherd guiding and tending his
flock. He performs his everlasting position as high
priest after the order of Melchizadek. His role
is
instrumental in our salvation; not just as a
sacrificed savior, but as a living high priest. It is
not a passive role, but an important, vibrant,
active
role in keeping with a living, breathing Son of God.
"Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to
enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new
and living way which He inaugurated for us through the
veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great
priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a
sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our
bodies washed with pure water." (Heb. 10:19-22)
Have a great week!
Kyle