The One Who Mediates

 

Scripture: Galatians 3:20 (ESV)

“Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.”

Devotion:

At first glance, Galatians 3:20 may seem obscure, even cryptic. Nestled in Paul’s dense argument about the law and the promise, this verse can feel like a theological speed bump. But when we slow down and reflect, we discover a profound truth about the nature of God and His relationship with us.

Paul is contrasting two covenants: the law, given through Moses with the mediation of angels (Galatians 3:19), and the promise, given directly to Abraham by God. The law required intermediaries—angels, Moses, and eventually priests. But the promise? It came from God alone.

This is Paul’s point: “An intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.” In other words, when a mediator is involved, there are two parties negotiating. However, when God made His promise to Abraham, there was no room for negotiation. No conditions. No intermediary. Just God, in His sovereign grace, binds Himself to bless.

This verse reminds us of the unilateral nature of God’s promise. He didn’t wait for Abraham to prove himself. He didn’t require Israel to meet a standard before offering hope. He gave His word—and He never breaks it.

So, what does this mean for us today?

It means that our salvation is not a contract—it’s a covenant. It’s not a deal struck between equals, but a gift given by the One who is wholly faithful. We don’t approach God through layers of mediation or performance. We come through Jesus Christ, who is both the fulfillment of the promise and the perfect Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).

In Christ, the distance between God and humanity has been bridged—not by our effort, but by His initiative. The law, with its intermediaries and conditions, showed us our need. However, the promise, fulfilled in Jesus, reveals God’s grace.

Paul’s declaration that “God is one” also echoes the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This is not just a statement of monotheism—it’s a declaration of unity, consistency, and faithfulness. The same God who made the promise is the God who keeps it. He does not change. He does not forget. He does not fail.

So today, rest in this truth: God is one, and His promise stands. You are not caught in a negotiation with heaven. You are held by a covenant of grace, sealed by the blood of Christ, and guaranteed by the faithfulness of God.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being the God who keeps Your promises. In a world full of broken agreements and shifting loyalties, You remain faithful and true. Thank You for sending Jesus, our perfect Mediator, who bridges the gap between us and Your holiness. Help us to rest in Your covenant of grace today—not striving, but trusting. May Your Spirit remind us that Your unchanging love holds us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.