Our Mediator

Hebrews 9:15 NLT
That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

When Jesus conquered death and rose again, He wrote a new covenant with us. We no longer live by the Old Testament law. Our debts have been paid through Christ and that allows us full access to the Father. It allows us to be in personal relationship with Jesus. And because of that Jesus acts as a mediator for us with the Father, so even in all of our sinful ways, when God looks at us, he looks us through Jesus.

This is what a Wonderful Counselor does. He mediates. He makes a way so that we no longer have to be stuck in our old ways. We are created new in Him. And it is because of His love for us that allows this to be so, that allows us to be co-heirs with Christ.

Lectio Divina Practice
As you walk through the Lectio Divina today, read the scripture above and meditate on it, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you.

1. Silencio: Come into God’s presence. Quietly prepare your heart to meet with and hear from Him.  Slow down, relax, release the noisy thoughts that crowd your mind over to him.

2. Lectio: Read the scripture above slowly and out loud, let words resonate with you. Be aware of words that stick out to you. When a word or phrase grabs your attention, stop reading. Sit with it. Open your hearts to what God is saying to you. Underline the phrase, make notes of what you’re hearing. Don’t analyze it or judge it. Listen and wait.

3. Meditatio: Meditate. Read the Scripture a second time out loud. Savor the words. Listen for any invitation that God is extending to you in this word. Reflect on the importance of the words that light up to you.

4. Oratio: Respond, pray. Read the Scripture a third time. Now is the moment to enter into a personal conversation with God. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The important thing is to respond truthfully and authentically. What feelings has the text brought about in you? Talk about where you are feeling resistant or want to push back, and of where you feel invited into a deeper way of being with God.

5. Contemplatio: Contemplate, rest and wait in the presence of God. Allow some time for the word to sink deeply into your soul. Yield and surrender yourself to God. Before you leave, you might consider a reminder that can help you dwell on this word throughout the day.

Family Moments
Read Hebrews 9:15 together. Discuss what a mediator does and how Jesus is the mediator between us and God. Talk about what sin is and how it has separated us from God—but Jesus has paid for our punishment on the cross! He has made a way for us to be close to God because he loves us so much! Take some time to pray as a family. Invite your child/children to trust in Jesus to mediate between them and God and give their life to God (maybe for the first time).