The Only Mediator We Need

“I love her, but I could never marry her. Her father would never allow it as I am from a different ethnic group and lack the social standing to even approach him.” These sad words poured out from a local friend when we were working overseas. He moped about his loss and lack of opportunity for months, until an older doctor friend, with much higher social standing, agreed to speak to the girl’s father on his behalf. This doctor acted as a mediator and interceded for the man. Through his intervention, her hand in marriage was secured. Years later, this happy family has numerous children and is doing well.

Muslims understand the role of a Mediator very clearly. They realize that by themselves, they can do nothing. But with the help of a mediator, and with the proper negotiation skills, all things are possible. The mediator always has to be someone of higher standing in the local community than the person they want to negotiate with, as this gives them leverage. The mediator must achieve something in the negotiations to protect his reputation.

Jesus Mediates for Us

We can share with Muslims that Jesus Christ is our mediator, freeing us from the bonds of sin and shame. We can’t do this on our own, but through Christ, all things are possible. He can intercede for us and plead our case before the Throne. He is our mediator, our intercessor, and redeemer, the One who calls into existence things that are not. His name is above all names, and he sits enthroned in the heavens. I would say that pretty much makes him of the highest standing! Timothy writes, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Tim 2:5-6)

I encourage you and your church group members to invite a Muslim family out to an apple orchard this month. Explore a corn maze, search the pumpkin fields for the perfect one, and carve pumpkins together. Come up with an event, something local to you, that you could invite them to join you and shine the love and light of Jesus into their heart and life. Muslims love community, and as you seek to spend time with them, they will reciprocate. Write us at musliminfo@send.org and share the creative ways you reached out to Muslims this month!

10/10 Prayer Initiative

God can do miracles. That’s why we pray for more boldness and increased response from the Muslim world. We continue praying for 10% of the Muslim world to come to Christ in 10 years. Would you consider asking your church, Sunday School class, or small group to join us in praying for this at least once a month?

Fighting rages on in the Middle East and tensions remain high for all-out war. Pray for the Prince of Peace to rule and reign in Muslim hearts and draw many to himself throughout this region.

Pray for visions and dreams to challenge and change hearts throughout the Muslim world.

Pray for boldness among believers in difficult places, along with wisdom and opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Pray for churches in the West to be a beacon of light, with a willingness to reach out to Muslims in their neighborhoods.

Continue to pray for those held hostage in Afghanistan that they would be released soon and that their families would be comforted.