THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

I wish you all a blessed Easter time and hope you experienced some joy being in the presence of our Risen Lord and His people during the extended weekend just past.

Have you ever been the one in the middle, the person "in between?" Perhaps it was in a family quarrel, or a work dispute, or even trying to keep two people from physically fighting each other. Whatever the case, being the one in the middle can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.

This past Good Friday Christians recalled that Jesus died on the cross, the Holy One between two thieves. On Calvary He was also the One between God and humanity, suffering and dying to bring people back to God. That was where Jesus intended to be. From the time of His incarnation, He was destined to be the "Man in the Middle," the One who would bring peace and reconciliation between God and people.

Two thieves were crucified with Him on Good Friday, but only one saw the "Man in the Middle." Most thieves see things around them, their surroundings, who has seen them and what is taking place. Both of those thieves knew they belonged there on Calvary, But only one realized the "Man in the Middle," shouldn't have been here. 

Despite his hopeless condition, the observant thief doesn’t want to die alone. He rebuked the other thief and reached out to Jesus, the One who really does belong there. Jesus offers him eternal life because of his faith, and He does the same to all who realize they need forgiveness and seek Jesus in faith.

Jesus came to earth to be the "Man in the Middle," the Mediator between God and people. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, "There is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and people, the man Christ Jesus." A mediator goes between two faction 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 brings us back to together again. The resurrection of Jesus is proof He is God's Son and has done all necessary to restore people to God through the forgiveness of sins. He is risen indeed!

Maybe being the middle is exactly where God wants you to be.