March Mid-Month Moment
This month's post from Connie's archives was written in March of 2018. I thought it appropriate for our Easter theme:
I am writing to you from the other side of the world - and that is why I'm actually posting earlier than usual.
I'm in Mae Sai--on the northern border between Thailand and a neighbouring country. As I write this, my Bible-translating husband is working through the book of Hebrews with three Shatikha speakers. And I am sitting here listening to them interact on Heb. 9:15. "For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."
For two days the team has mulled over the proper way to translate the word, "mediator" - a word not found in their language. They finally decided on a compound word meaning, "one who connects to make peace." What a profound translation.
Our world today seems to function in opposition to this. Peace seems unattainable. But when Jesus walked the earth, was it any different, from the Israelites' perspective? They were looking for a Messiah that would bring political peace and rest. But that wasn't Jesus' purpose. In John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus never said, "If you follow me, you will live without pain and sorrow and troubles." In fact, He said the opposite. He told us the world would always be filled with trouble. Which means in our individual lives, our heartache and struggle is NEVER surprising to God. BUT, in the same breath He says, "Take heart! I have overcome the world." He says, "Be encouraged! I am the One who connects you back to the Father to bring peace to your heart and mind and spirit." Our MEDIATOR! Our peace in the midst of trouble.
Finding peace in our Mediator,
Connie
March 6, 2018
Mid-Month Moments are past devotionals written by Connie Inglis that she shared each week when she was InScribe's spiritual advisor. (Originally called 'Mid-Week Moments') They are shared from her archives with permission in the middle of each month.
These messages are as timely now as they wre when they were first written. Thank you so much Connie.
ReplyDeleteConnie, your words always bless me. May the Lord shower you with His peace, love and mercy as you trust Him. God bless you richly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Jesus never hid the fact that we'd face trouble in this world. False preachers keep telling gullible Christians that Christ will make their lives easier. Then when the storms of life hit, many of those misled folks fall away. They're like the crowd following Jesus to get free food. Real believers cling to Christ for who he is and what he's don for us on the cross.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie, for giving us insight into how detailed and time consuming the translation of the Bible can be. As challenging as translation of the Bible must be, the translators must be gifted from God to do the work. What a calling and what a labour of love! May God continue to bless your husband and his fellow-workers in their calling, in their lives, and in getting God’s Word into the hands of more people.
ReplyDeleteGood encouragement Connie- not about having rose-coloured glasses, but seeing things through the blood of the Lamb. A timely post.
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