Devotional - Nov. 13, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Well folks we did it, we made it through Galatians.  Did our devotional cover the entire letter, ...no.  I focussed on Paul's defining efforts of our faith, especially in relation to the Holy Spirit.  I hope you read the letter in it's entirety.  It only has six chapters.  If you begin on Monday and read one chapter a day, you will finish before the following Sunday.  If you do, you will soon realize that Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia is not mild or tender...  Paul gets very aggressive in his critique.  It may make you wonder if he is walking by way of the Spirit.  But, don't give up on Paul.  He admits throughout his ministry when he is out of line.  He admits it publically and holds himself accountable for it.  More importantly, he upholds God's standards even when he is not meeting them.  Paul clearly sees his shortcomings and they humble him.  It works the same way with us, and it makes room for compassion.  We can be compassionate and still maintain clear boundaries and expectations for ourselves and others.  Paul is zealous for God and God's church.  What he sees happening to the churches in Galatia is abhorrent.  Did his efforts call the church back from what they were doing?  Did it restore the teachings of Christ in the church or their relationship with Christ?  We have no evidence that it did.  But, I think we can safely say, it did for some.  Whether they stayed with the church or not, they agreed with Paul and they continued on with Christ; and I think that is worth mentioning in this devotional.  When all is said and done, one needs to know what they believe and why.  The Judiazers knew what they were doing and Paul knew what he was doing, do we, you and I?  A defining moment in the letter for Paul is in the text above.  In the end, Paul's faith is based in the love of God.  Love that is defined through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Paul continues to strive toward the life of Christ and the work of God in his world.  Not in fear of God's judgement, but instead he feared others would miss the opportunities afforded them through Christ.  You and I will never know all there is to know about God and Jesus Christ.  But, we do need to know what we believe and why.  And more importantly, what we base those beliefs on and why.  Paul did and it allowed him to endure some of the most difficult situations.  We will stay with Galatians just a little while longer and look at the different aspects of walking in the Spirit.  By doing so, we will let the Spirit continue to quicken our spirits.

Pray with me...,  Holy God how hard it is at times to rest in You, to trust You without focussing on our shortcomings or the shortcomings of others.  We give thanks that You continue to work with us, faithfully, lovingly.  Hear our prayers for those we love.  Bless them we pray and bless our church that we can be the people You call us to be in Jesus' name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian