Our Mediator

I love the story that Max Lucado tells in the introduction of one of my favorite books of his, In the Grip of Grace. He describes how he was at one time such a religious man, so sure of how right he was in his doctrine. He proudly wore what he called "my wardrobe of self-righteousness. But over a period of months this wardrobe became tattered and threadbare. He tried to stitch it together and cover his mistakes, but withoot success. He came to recognize his spiritual nakedness and then on a lonely drive one wintry day in West Texas he heard on the radio a riveting message about the cross. Max pulled over to the side of the roa, confessed his sin of self-righteousness and his deep need for Christ. He stepped into the presence of Jesus and asked Him to clothe him with His righteousness. Which Jesus graciously did.

I find it so significant how God has blessed Max's ministry -- a thriving church, record-selling books. Everything he writes ultimately points to the love of the Father, the grace of God and the cross of Christ. And of course the Lord will always bless the ministry of those who lift up His Son and continually proclaim the gospel.

This story of Max came to mind after I read this passage from Exodus and was once more struck with the holiness of God:

"Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD." -- Ex. 28:36-38

I'm not sure what all this means, but what came to mind immediately is how Jesus is our high priest and bore our guilt on the cross. Only through Him can you and I be made acceptable before God. I know that and believe that. I claim Jesus as my mediator. And yet studying about and encountering the utter holiness of God, and in contrast seeing my sinfulness inherited from Adam, I once more see how desperately I need a mediator, a Savior. And how much I love Him.

Lord, please grip our hearts as you gripped Max's that day you penetrated his heart with the message of the cross. Clothe us with Your righteousness, Jesus, and fill our hearts and minds and mouths with the message of the gospel. You are Holy, Holy, Holy. Please empower us to live holy lives for Your glory, honor and praise.

Through Jesus, our righteousness, Amen.

Jim