Devotional - April 24, 2024
Scripture: Galatians 2: 11-13 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
The remainder of chapter two continues through verse twenty-one. It should be addressed all at once, but I have never been good at doing what I should... If you want to read it (verse 11-21), it may help to keep things in context. Paul is describing a situation where he confronted one of the "pillars" of the church, Peter. Paul describes the confrontation and the nature of the issue he was confronting. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with others on religious matters, even those in leadership positions. Paul confronts Cephas (Peter) openly, not behind his back, and not in a way that would cause trouble. Paul is very even handed in how he confronts Cephas. He is not disrespectful and he supports his argument well with reasoned theological discourse. Moreover, Paul loved the church and saw what was happening. He knew the Gospel and knew it was being breached by what was occuring with the Gentiles. As I have said before in other devotionals, we like to be with our own, resting nice and easy in our comfort zone. Paul confronts it with the word hypocrite. A hypocrite was an actor who could play many roles simply by using different masks during the same play. But that was, and is not Christ like. Our character stays the same and we treat everyone the same. We are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Folks, the need to fit in and be accepted is very strong and it does not subside with time. It doesn't matter what age you are, it still influences our actions. Paul is amazed that even Barnabas, his partner in ministry, was swayed by it. But, Paul was not. He knew of it's destructive power and influence, first hand, in his own life. Paul also knew that Peter stood condemned for his actions and he was not going to let it happen unaddressed. Cephas was his brother in Christ and he cared enough to call-out his actions. Literally, Cephas's actions were jeopardizing both his and the church's salvation. One would think that would be enough to keep people clear of such actions, but old habits are hard to break. Keep in mind when confronting others that often confrontations are born out of conflict. They are rooted in anger. How could anything good come from it? When you confront others, which I hope you feel you can do, remember that they are people with their own beliefs and life and they deserve respect. Is that what they experience with you? You will see Cephas receives and heeds Paul's correction which says a lot about him and his leadership. Paul regards Peter as a pillar, but sometimes pillars need some adjustment too. You may have every right to confront someone, but your motivation and how you do it matters.
Pray with me.., Lord, help us stay mindful even when frustrated by others and their actions. Remind us, they are people too. They have the same needs we do. Hear us as we pray for those who are near and dear to our hearts. Bless them, we pray, according to their needs. And bless our church, so we can be the people You call us to be. In Jesus name, Amen
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
