”For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”   ~Hebrews 9:15

        Having worked in the airline industry, which is heavily unionized, I came to understand the concept of mediation.  I witnessed plenty of tempers flare among union leaders in the face of corporate executives concerning work rule disputes.  When these parties could not agree on their own, mediators were called in to intervene.  I learned the mediation process can be lengthy depending upon either party’s willingness to settle issues.  And in cases where mediation was unsuccessful, disputes went to the next level: arbitration, where a judge was called in to decide issues for them.

        In the spirit realm, there is no greater mediator than Jesus.  He ushers in life, interceding on our behalf when the enemy opposes us anywhere, including our workplaces.  But we must be willing to call on Him and seek His righteous mediation.  Stubbornness and carnality can lead to judgment, whereas obedience leads to God’s favor.

        I recall a particular issue I had as a flight attendant.  One morning, I was a few minutes late for a trip.  Given my airline’s computerized military time system, this was considered a serious infraction, even though my check-in time was an hour prior to departure and would not have caused a flight delay.  Plus, as an added safeguard, replacement flight attendants stood by on the airport premises to cover.  A few days later, I received a memo in my mailbox from my superior asking me to meet with her to discuss the issue.  I first called on my mediator, Jesus Christ.  And then I called her and made the appointment.

        I asked Jesus to intervene, to pour out His grace upon me.  I reminded Him that such infractions were very rare for me, that it wasn’t intentional.  And I reminded Him of my faithfulness to seek Him and serve Him, of my obedience and of my willingness to minister to others in my workplace as He called me.  Then I chose to trust Him with the issue.  What happened next amazed me.

        The meeting with my manager was scheduled at the end of a four-day trip that I flew a couple of weeks later.  On the final day of my trip, I returned to my crew base amid one of the worst snowstorms in the city’s history.  Our airplane barely landed before the airport authorities closed the runways.  The snow accumulated so rapidly, it caused the airport office workers, including my superior, to depart their offices early.  So when I tried to meet with her, she was gone for the day, and I never heard from her again.  Now, anyone who has ever worked for an airline likely knows that their managers do not just forget written infractions.

        But just as the snow blanketed the airport in a remarkable way, God’s grace covered me.  Just as Jesus provides for us to have eternal life, He, too, provides for us if we are willing to receive Him and honor His ways.  

        What issues do you need Jesus to mediate?  In what areas do you need His grace to cover you, His favor to bless you?