Christ our Mediator

food-insecurityLiving in the Spirit
September 9, 2016

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

For there is one God;
   there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,
   who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. –1 Timothy 2:5-6

Christ serves many roles, all important, but none more important than a mediator. We humans need help in understanding God. We also need help expressing our needs to God. I sometimes think when I pray, God is already fully aware of the circumstances I describe. My repeating it seems a waste of time. After such times of prayer and real struggle with an issue, I often realize I gain clarity of understanding fundamental to shaping an appropriate response. God orders my life as I share my imperfect analysis of a difficult situation.

Jesus through his earthly ministry introduced us to God through word and deed. By way of parables and illustrated stories, even anger and castigation, he gave voice to his message. Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, receiving and sharing hospitality, and accepting all people not just his kind, he demonstrated patterns of living we attempt to follow today.

When we get off track whether individually or collectively, rededicating our lives to following Jesus’ words and deeds brings order to our lives once again. Work awaits our actions. The Zika virus threatens infants; some pharmaceutical companies value profit over lives; 16.5% of Oklahomans suffer from food insecurity*; and racism and sexism, all the ism’s, seek to destroy our oneness. Whether as advocates or director service providers, opportunities exist opening the door for God to order our lives and get us back on course.

Prayer: Lord, let my service be a catalyst for bringing order to my life and that of my community and the whole world. Amen.

*http://okpolicy.org/fact-sheet-hunger-in-oklahoma/

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.