As we walk through the book of Galatians, we will be focusing on the freedom we have as followers of Christ. When Paul wrote this to his first audience, he was trying to establish that salvation through Christ is for all, both Jew and Gentile. As you can imagine, the early church really struggled with the dynamic between Jews and non-Jews, feelings of entitlement and worthiness.
Even as this book begins, we see how Paul is using this letter to truly focus on reinforcing the authenticity of the gospel. You might think that all of Paul’s letters start the same way. But there are subtle differences in each, and we should not rush past it. There are some gems of beauty here.
Paul does stay true to the letter-style of his day. He wants first to establish himself as the authority, yet he doesn’t toot his own horn, he states he was appointed “by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” We can all recall how his ministry began that day on the road to Damascus. Paul is joined by other believers in greeting those in Galatia as well.
As in other epistles, Paul begins with a prayer of blessing. Let that wash over you today, as well. Close your eyes and accept God’s grace and peace right where you are. It’s a gift for you as much as it was for those who first read Paul’s words. There is a lot going on in our world right now, and so much could be solved if we all just breathed in the grace and peace God so freely gives.
There was unrest and division in Paul’s day, too. That’s why he was commissioned by God to shed light on the truth. His next words hold impact as well. “Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.” Even in his salutation, Paul was setting out his mission to remind us all what Jesus did for us. This is the gospel in a nutshell right here.
Paul isn’t saying that Jesus gave his life for a select few, but for all. Paul is inclusive so that all who read these words are included in the “our” and the “us.” Our sins are forgiven. Jesus died for us! How does that make you feel? You’ve heard it before. You’re probably already thinking of the “yes, but’s” that try to put God into a box or limit him in some way.
Paul is clear. We need to hear this message. As we are surrounded by a world full of evil, we need to know without a doubt that we are saved. God planned for our rescue long before we ever needed it. God in all his wisdom knew that this was a message that would be relevant for all time. It was a message for every one of his children.
How do we respond to such a message? When we are feeling hopeless with worry, fearful of what may come, what can we do? We need to let our hearts feel gratitude to our creator and remember to give “all glory to God forever and ever! Amen.”
I was asked yesterday during a podcast interview what is one thing that I have learned that benefits me both in life and in business. There was no hesitation in my response. In fact, when she asked me, these words just tumbled out without giving it much thought at all. “Trust God.”
When we are feeling lost, alone, worried, fearful, questioning everything we have ever known, we can turn to God and trust him. When we make that decision to trust him in all things, it takes the pressure off us. There is freedom in knowing that God knows. We may not know how we are going to accomplish the feat that is staring us in the face, but God does know. Why don’t we ask him to show us? He is either going to provide us the way or let us know that that was not a battle for us to fight in the first place.
What are you needing freedom from? Ask God to show you how to break free and trust him to show you the way.
Let’s pray … Lord, I thank you for how you are working in my life and revealing yourself to me through your Word. Continue to open my eyes and my heart to receive what you have for me each day. Use me to create a hunger in others to know you on deeper level. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
