1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Shabbat Shalom Mishpochah And Chaverim
My husband and I are a blended family. And sometimes I have to come in between him and my children to mediate. Last night a situation occurred that kept us up most of the night. I complained to my husband I don't like being in the middle between him and my adult children. For the most part, everyone gets along. But like any family, some situations cause conflict between each other. Everyone was able to say their piece and come to some compromise on how we can move forward.
I did not get to sleep until 3 am this morning and woke up around 10 am. After I had showered and had breakfast, I began to prepare to write to today's devotional. Before I started writing, I prayed to HaShem about the situation that occurred earlier this morning. While praying, I said to HaShem how I am always in the middle and have to be the person to make everyone see each other's point of view. I described how it does not feel good to be in the middle between the people you love. They always think you are taking the other person's side and defending them. In my defense, I say to them. I defend you (my children) and defend you (husband); this is what I do, defend. Let me share something about myself. I'm the type of person who gives people the benefit of the doubt. I'll show you mercy and forgiveness and give you excuses. I do not assume the worst of people. For example, if you promise to do something for me and did not fulfill your promise. I would not believe the worst. I would think something happened that kept you from fulfilling your promise. Being like this makes me want to run away sometimes and avoid conflict.
As I continued to pray, I heard the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) say, why are you running from being an advocate. Then I thought about how Yeshua is our middle man, how He stands in the gap for us, and how to defend us to HaShem. He took on sin that we could have salvation. I thought about Moses how he was the middle man between HaShem and Israelites. When I looked at it this way, I asked myself why I am running from being an advocate. As a Therapist, I worked with families who needed me as an advocate or mediator. But the difference is when it's personal, it harder to be objective. However, for Yeshua is was personal. He became our middle man because he loved us on a personal level. As a mother and wife, I defend them more because it's personal. I fight for them because it's personal. And to see people that I love not get along grieves me. Then I imagine how HaShem feels to see His children not get along.
The Greek definition advocate (1) a legal advocate; (2) an intercessor, (3) a helper generally. The scripture that comes to mind is 1John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: We see here how Christ is an advocate. Who stands in the middle between the Father and us. He continues to speak on our behalf.
In closing, I encouraged you not to run from your responsibility if HaShem has called you to be the middle man in someone's life. Begin to embrace the challenge of an advocate. It does not feel good to be pulled in two different directions and stuck between two opinions. I do believe He will grant us the wisdom as He did for Solomon to judge righteously. Lastly, we have to remember when it's come to defending; the person can choose if they want to be defended. We have to know when to let go. It's sad to say that everyone does not wish for a defense. And some people will reject your advocacy like they reject Yeshua. "You cannot defend what has not been repented" So, let's continue to pray for each other strength in Yeshua.
Shabbat Shalom,
Your Achoti/Sister
Shakina
No Author, . (5 May, 2003). Advocate - International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/dictionary/viewtopic.cfm
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