Article by Rick Hagar

Often within the Veteran Community when a dispute arises between two or more parties or when parties are at differences with each other, a “Mediator” is sought out to intervene between the parties to help establish common ground and bring resolution. This process of using a Mediator is called “Mediation” which typically allows the parties to meet with the mutually selected impartial person who will assist in the negotiations to arrive at a conclusion which both parties can accept.

One international leader in the Mediation industry, “JAMS” which stands for “Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services” states the Mediator does not decide what is “fair” or “right,” does not assess blame nor render an opinion on the merits. Rather, the mediator acts as a catalyst between opposing interests attempting to bring them together by defining issues and eliminating obstacles to communication, while moderating and guiding the process to avoid confrontation and ill will.

The Mediator does not decide what is “fair” or “right,” does not assess blame nor render an opinion on the merits.

Just as we have access to Mediators to assist us in conflict resolution in our daily lives, we also have access to “The Mediator” when it come to our spiritual relationship with God. When Adam and Eve rebelled and sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, it resulted in all mankind being born with the sin nature and separated from God. However, because God loves each of us so much, and created us to enjoy fellowship with Him for all eternity, He authorized a perfect Mediator to arbitrate between Himself and mankind, and the Mediator He chose was His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus. I Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

But what makes Jesus the perfect Mediator?

  1. A Mediator must be able to adequately represent both sides: As God the Son and the Son of God, Jesus has every right to represent the interests of God the Father. And since Jesus came to earth in human form, and even though He lived a sinless life, He still is qualified to represent the needs and interests of all mankind.
  2. A Mediator must understand the needs of both sides: God who is holy cannot look upon sin and mankind who is sinful cannot do anything on its own to obtain God’s righteous and forgiveness.
  3. A Mediator must be approachable: God chose His only Son Jesus to come to the earth in the form of man so that mankind, who because of sin, is separated from God, can now be reunited with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

So why do we need the Mediator?

Romans 5:12 reminds us that “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” And then John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Do you have a relationship with God? Do you know that your sins have been forgiven? Do you know that once this life is over you will enjoy an eternity with God in heaven? If you cannot answer “Yes” to these questions, God invites you to receive His Son Jesus Christ as the perfect Mediator, who can forgive you of your sins, who can restore you to a right relationship with God the Father.

Won’t you accept Him today?

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/