The Gospel in a Dark Passage (1 Samuel 2:25a)

1 Samuel 2:25a

“If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?”

            Here is a hint of the gospel in a really dark passage. Eli is confronting his wicked sons about their sin. These young men were stealing offerings from people at the temple and sleeping with women who served at the temple gates. They were behaving in a vile way, and they were destined for judgment.

            But look at Eli’s words. He makes a simple argument. Perhaps a person can have God mediate for him if he should sin against another person. But who will mediate between a person and God? Who is big enough to stand in the gap and talk to God on your behalf if you sin?

            Do you see the gospel? We have offended God. Who is able to mediate for us? Who can stand on our behalf? It would have to be someone as holy as God. But, only God is that holy. So, only God can mediate on our behalf between us and himself. Could he, would he ever do so?

            And the gospel comes clear. Jesus is God. Jesus came to earth to bear our sin and disgrace. Jesus took our sin upon himself. Jesus fully paid the penalty that we owe. Without Jesus’ sacrifice, we spend forever in hell for our sins. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we may enter into the presence of God fully justified, fully forgiven. This is a glorious rescue. This is the gospel, even in a very dark passage.