Topical Encyclopedia InterventionIn the biblical context, intervention refers to the direct involvement of God or His appointed agents in the affairs of humanity to bring about His divine will. Throughout Scripture, God intervenes in human history to guide, correct, and fulfill His purposes. This divine intervention is often seen in miraculous events, prophetic messages, and acts of deliverance. One of the most notable examples of divine intervention is the Exodus, where God intervenes to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 3:7-8 , God says to Moses, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey." God's intervention is also evident in the lives of individuals. For instance, in the account of Daniel in the lion's den, God intervenes to protect Daniel from harm. Daniel 6:22 states, "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; nor have I done any wrong before you, O king." Mediation Mediation in the Bible refers to the role of a mediator who acts as an intermediary between God and humanity. This role is crucial in facilitating communication, reconciliation, and the establishment of covenants. The concept of mediation is deeply rooted in the priestly functions of the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the priests served as mediators between God and the people of Israel. They offered sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people, seeking atonement and favor from God. The high priest, in particular, had the unique role of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator. In 1 Timothy 2:5 , it is written, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for reconciliation between God and humanity, fulfilling the mediatorial role in a way that the Old Testament priesthood could only foreshadow. Hebrews 9:15 further elaborates on Christ's mediatorial work: "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." In summary, intervention and mediation are integral themes in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history and His provision for reconciliation through Jesus Christ. These concepts underscore the relationship between the divine and the human, highlighting God's sovereignty, justice, and grace. |