I have given several toasts in the last few weeks (with sparkling grape juice), and each time, I have “pray-toasted” for a 2015 that was better than 2014. But then I began to wonder, “Who makes that happen?” Who is responsible for ensuring 2015 is better than 2014?
This is the season when many of us make New Year’s resolutions. We might resolve to lose weight (again) or resolve to quit some ugly habit (again). But what are we really doing? What is a “Resolution”? Why does it involve making a promise we find so hard to keep?
I like to study the history and origination of words. I often will use a web search or dictionary to “discover” word meaning and original intent. My search of “resolution” made me stop and ponder over the results.
Resolution is used modernly to describe clarity in audio or video output. It is also used as the statement in a legal setting or debate over which a decision will be rendered. In a personal sense, it is a self -declarative term used as a way to draw a line in the sand, as in “I am resolved!”.
One of the hats I wear is that of a Federal Mediator. I have worked with numerous federal agencies over the past several years, attempting to assist in bringing staff and their supervisors together. You are literally trying to mend broken relationships and help people see each other differently. Often the “Boss” is seen as unapproachable or difficult to communicate with. The result we are looking for is called “resolution”.
The Bible tells us in 1Timothy, 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”. In Hebrews 9:15, God’s Word also tells us “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.”
Many believers first verse they memorize or hear is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” What a concept! God provided His Son as the mediator so we could have resolution to our relationship with Him. God was resolved to get us back in relationship with Himself. A trinity of needs was met by the Triune God. Substitutional atonement, a mediator, and the ability to approach and communicate with “The Boss”. In short, resolution to our sin problem.
This year I challenge you to be resolved. Make your resolution one of clarity in what you see and hear from God. Make your resolution a statement of faith no one can debate or challenge. Make your resolution a line in the sand over which no one or any temptation can push you. Resolve to move closer to God in 2015 than you were in 2014, for the answer to who is responsible for making 2015 better than 2014 is …….You. This year will you be resolved or will you be found wanting (again)?