The Pilgrim Path---First Timothy 2: 5, 6

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

THE MEDIATOR

John Chrysostom was the eventual preaching giant of Constantinople. He was the man that won over a generation (344-407). That second name was given him because it means, “Golden Mouth”, a testament to his walk with the Spirit of God.

Some of John Chrysostom’s notes on the Mediator, from First Timothy 2: 5, 6…

A mediator must have connection with both parties he mediates between. This is a mediator’s character, to be in close connection with each of those for whom he mediates. He would cease to be a mediator if he were concerned with one but not the other. If therefore Christ does not share the Father’s nature, He is not a Mediator with Him, but separated from Him. Just as He shares our humanity, because He came to mankind, so He shares Deity, because He came from God. Since He had to mediate between two natures, He had to be close to both natures. As a place standing between two others is joined to each, so a person standing between two others is joined to each. He became Man; He was also God…

God was about to punish humanity but refrained. Humans were perishing, but in their place, God gave His own Son, then sent us as messengers of the cross. This is enough to attract everyone and show Christ’s love. So truly, unspeakably great are God’s blessings! He sacrificed Himself for His foes who despised and rejected Him! What no one would do for friends, brothers, children---this the Lord has done for His slaves! Nor was this Lord of the same nature as His slaves; He was God sacrificing Himself for humans, undeserving ones. Had they been obedient and deserving, it would have been less amazing. But He died for such thank-less, wrong-headed creatures! This is what stuns every mind with astonishment. What we would not do for our fellow humans, God has done for us! Yet even after this demonstration of love towards us, we hold back, and are not serious in our love for Christ. He has sacrificed Himself for us; yet we make no sacrifice for Him…

Take up your cross, then, in his strength,

And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave;

Twill guide you to a better home,

It points to glory over the grave.

Take up your cross, and follow on,

Nor think till death to lay it down;

For only he who bears the cross

May hope to wear the glorious crown.

Charles W. Everest (1833)

Grace and Peace in Jesus Our LORD, Pastor Jason