Sunday, March 27, 2016

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

        I wish you all a blessed Easter time this year. Have you ever been the “one in the middle,” the one between two others? Perhaps it happened in a family quarrel, a work dispute, or trying to keep two people from physically fighting. Whatever the case, being the one in the middle can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
        On Good Friday Christians recall that Jesus died on the cross, the Holy One of God between two thieves. That was where He intended to be. On Calvary He was the Divine One between God and humanity, suffering and dying to bring people back to God. From the time of His birth He was destined to be the “Man in the Middle,” the One who would reconcile people and God.
  Two thieves were crucified with Him on Good Friday, but only one recognized the “Man in the Middle.” Most thieves see their surroundings, who is watching them and what is taking place. Both of those thieves knew they belonged on Calvary, but only one realized the “Man in the Middle,” shouldn’t have been here. Despite his hopeless condition, the observant thief didn’t want to die alone. He rebuked the unrepentant thief and reached out to Jesus, the One who did not belong there. Jesus offered him eternal life because of his faith, and He does the same for all who realize they need forgiveness and seek Him in faith.
  Jesus came to earth to be the “Man in the Middle,” the Mediator between God and people. “There is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and people, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) A mediator tries to bring factions to resolution and peace, and no one has done it better than Jesus. “He was put to death for our sins, but raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25)
  Sin separates people from God, but Jesus’ resurrection unites us. The resurrection of Jesus is proof He is God’s Son who has done all that is necessary to restore people to God through forgiveness of sins. He is risen indeed!
         
Maybe being the middle is just where God wants you to be.

Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com

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