From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

There is one mediator between God and man and that is Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). When you think about it, that is pure genius. God knows how to cut out the red tape and bureaucracy we are plagued with down here. Those born before Jesus had to go through a hierarchy of people before they could reach God. The era of the patriarchs or kings or judges or the priesthood with all the laws given to Moses – all of that was not direct access to God and certainly was not available for everybody. But now, in Jesus, the most amazing privilege of all – direct access to God! Each and every one of us common critters can talk to, be involved with and have a glorious intimate relationship with God! We don't have to go through the king or the judge or the law anymore – just you and God.

Jesus is our mediator to God because He is God. Heck, I can't even get in to see some lowly local county official without special reason, coordination and scheduling – yet, I have 24/7 access to the King of Kings! Are you blown away by that yet? What a God we serve. God is powerful – yes; all-knowing and all present – yes; but also merciful and compassionate.

Don't be afraid to come into His presence. Don't think you have to wait until you are clean and perfected to meet with Him... He takes you as you are. He does the cleaning, He does the perfecting. Just go to Him. No one can make you love Him, and sitting in church as a dutiful response to some church law doesn't cut it either. Give your inner being over to Him and He'll take it from there. Wow – you get a seat right in front of the King. Doesn't get any better than that! Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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