Our Mediator – Part 10
November 11, 2001
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 Israel. He is asking for more time to preach to 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 Sodom. All of these can be read one 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!
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