Mensa Otabil - One God, One Mediator
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We’re in 1 Timothy chapter 2, and we’re learning about prayer as Paul leads us through the things we should pray for and why we should be praying. Now we’re in verses five and six: «For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.»
When you read this passage in the context of what Paul has been saying so far, it may seem out of place because he’s been discussing prayer, and then he makes this profound declaration of Christian faith: one God, one mediator, and Jesus who sacrificed for all. What does that have to do with prayer? It has a lot to say about prayer because prayer is what is being taught in this passage.
The first thing we learn is that there is one God. Christianity is monotheistic; we pray to one God. We do not pray to different gods. In our prayer, we must be faithful to that one God. Often, people will tell you that your case is so hard or difficult, suggesting that you go this way or that way or see another person, adding to your faith. Before you realize it, Christians fall into idolatry and all kinds of spiritual expressions that are outside of their faith.
But remember, no matter how difficult your situation is, there is one God, and we pray faithfully to that one God. We don’t deviate; we don’t divert; we don’t call on other gods. We don’t call on other deities; we don’t pour libations to other deities. We stay with one God; all prayer must be addressed to that one God, no matter the situation we are in.
The second thing this passage states is that there is one mediator. In our prayer, Jesus is our mediator. He is our mediator as Savior, but He’s also the mediator of our prayer. That’s why we pray in the name of Jesus, so that the Father receives our prayers as He would if Jesus were praying them.
Many times, people make others their mediators. Sometimes, in the church, people designate the pastor as their mediator. Some people say, «Pastor, you are closer to God. You pray for us; God hears you better than us.» That makes me your mediator. No, Jesus is your mediator. God doesn’t want to hear you through the pastor; He wants to hear you directly.
So remember, if you’re praying in the name of Jesus, God hears you as well as your pastor praying in His name. The mediator is one, and God does not want us to link our prayer to other forms of mediators or get involved in all kinds of belief systems that take us away from the centrality of Jesus Christ. He is the one who mediates with the Father. So we pray in His name, and His name is strong enough to get you the answer to your prayer, no matter how complex it is. The name of Jesus deals with the complications of your needs. There’s one God, one mediator, and then it mentions Jesus, who gave Himself for all.
What does that have to do with prayer? Jesus did not only die for His disciples; He didn’t even die only for the Jews. He died for the whole world. That is why our prayer should not be partisan, and our prayers should not be limited to people we like and those we do not. Unfortunately, there’s a lot in Christianity now that does not follow the biblical mandate of prayer in the New Testament. Many Christians are praying against people, cursing their enemies, and trying to destroy others because they were hurt. If Jesus did that to us, we would not be saved.
You don’t find that pattern with Jesus, nor with the apostles of Jesus. It is our own hurt and pain expressing itself in prayer, but that’s not what God expects. Jesus died for all; prayer is sacrificial. In your prayer for people, remember Jesus died for all. He died for your enemy; He died for the person trying to harm you; He died for the person you hate. You can pray for all of them, and that’s why He says we can pray for those who despitefully use us because He died for all. So, one God, one mediator, and we pray for all.
Let us pray. Say with me: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the way of salvation. I receive Christ as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, amen and amen. Well, I’ll catch you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.