mediator

Isaiah 59:1-2
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

Sin is missing the mark. Just as an archer aims at a target, lets his arrow fly, and misses; so we attempt to do our best, only to fall short of the perfect standard of God. The problem is, sin has grave consequences. Sin not only effects our emotions by making us feel guilty, it also effects our ability to have a relationship with God. Isaiah reveals, the real impact of sin is separation from God.

If we were hiking and came to a gorge where a bridge used to be, we would be forced to either fashion a new one or find another way across. When it comes to sin, the gorge is too wide. Our efforts can never bridge the gap between man and God. We must look for another way across. Fortunately, there is a way. Jesus went to the cross to make a way for sinners to be reconciled to God. We are told, “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead youwill be saved.” (Romans 10:9).

Imagine the utter joy of sin being forgiven, and knowing God personally! This message so impacted the first generation of believers, they sacrificed all to travel the world, telling anyone and everyone that reconciliation with God was possible.

Thank God that while sin separates, Jesus restores.

Pastor Jim

Job 9:33
“Nor is there any mediator between us, Who may lay his hand on us both.”

In the midst of all his suffering, Job comes face to face with his own sinfulness. He realizes he is guilty of violating the laws of God and asks,

“. . . how can a man be righteous before God?” Job 9:2

As he evaluates himself, and realizes the righteousness of God is so great, it is impossible for him to adequately cleanse himself. He speaks of any attempt at removing his own sin as a foolish endeavor,

“If I wash myself with snow water, and cleanse my hands with soap. . . ” Job 9:30
It is at this point he realizes the hopelessness of his cause. He recognizes the only hope for humanity is if someone could stand in the gap between sinful man and a holy God. Someone so holy, he could have access to God, yet so human, he could relate to the needs of man. Job could see the need for such a person, but could not fathom the existence of such a person.

The good news, to be heralded throughout the earth to every man, woman, and child, is there such a man. God, in His infinite wisdom, sent His own Son to stand in the gap and be the bridge between sinful man and a holy God. As a man, Jesus is able to relate to all our weaknesses. As God, He was able to pay the price for all our sin. The glorious news of the Gospel is that our sins can be forgiven, and we can have access to God through the work of the cross.

Take advantage of this glorious news today. If you have not surrendered to Christ, do it now. If you have, then take time to access the throne of grace and pray for others to come to saving faith in Christ.

Pastor Jim