Paul illustrates in this letter how easy it is to fall back into old habits and ways, despite having once chosen to follow Jesus. While temptations will come, Paul wants to stress the importance of not falling away. It seems like he’s taking responsibility because it is happening to someone he introduced to Jesus in the first place.
Paul didn’t want all his hard work to be for nothing, but beyond that, he didn’t want those people to become “slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world.” Weak and useless is a great way to describe what many people rely on for their “spirituality,” or belief system. We see all kinds of those temptations around us even today when people rely on the moon, the universe, or other “new age” trappings.
I resonate with verse 16. “Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?” It can be hard to tell people the truth when they have made their minds up otherwise from hearing and trusting the lies of the world. I’m sure feeling like the enemy is a dilemma pastors have faced for years. They are under pressure to grow their churches, be welcoming, but then when they preach the truth, they are called names like bigot, liar, hypocrite, or worse. It can be hard to hear those words and feel “hated.”
Preaching the truth is the most loving thing they could be doing; it’s just not always received like that. Standing on the truth of Scripture isn’t always popular, especially when so many “watered down” gospels abound these days. It happens when people simply misunderstand what Jesus’ message truly is.
Paul’s tone is very direct; some may even say, harsh. Tough love is sometimes the best solution. You can tell Paul wishes he was with these new believers, because correction can be a lot smoother when you’re in person. The dynamics of being face to face are totally different than trying to get attention through a letter.
Face-to-face interaction with others is why being part of a church is so important, too. When you are surrounded by other people, you can look into each other’s eyes and be better comforted, if that’s what’s needed. It’s also easier to speak the truth in love when you are together. Body language carries many clues as well, and that doesn’t translate into words at all.
There’s a second lesson in our reading today that is clearly directed toward Jewish believers, while the first part was to new Gentile believers. There would have been Jewish brothers and sisters living in Galatia as well, ready to hear from Paul, a fellow Jew. Don’t forget it’s our history now, too, as believers.
When Paul uses stories from the “old days,” as recorded in the Old Testament, he gets their attention. Abraham was well known for being the father of nations, a faithful servant of God before there was the law. Jewish people descended from Abraham by way of Isaac. The older brother, Ishmael, has his own descendants. According to Genesis 25, Ishmael had twelve sons, who had twelve tribes living east of Egypt. There was continued dispute between those tribes and the Jews descending from Isaac, Abraham’s second son and rightful heir. Persecution has a long history.
Paul reminds his readers that we need to remember who we are. As believers, we are children of the promise and belong to God. Jesus descended from Isaac and the “free woman,” too. We are in good company. Paul connected some dots, too, by bringing up Isaiah’s prophecy of this free woman. I had forgotten his reference to Sarah representing the “heavenly Jerusalem.”
Paul’s words were meant to correct and console his audience. What was the message you took from this reading? Reflect on the promise and being included as an heir with Jesus. Don’t let the lies of the world, often referred to as “truth,” distract you from what the Bible says. Pray for discernment to navigate your faith journey.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you have given me great responsibility to be a witness for you. There are times when correction is necessary to keep my focus on you. Thank you for never giving up on me and also comforting me in my times of struggle. Help me to focus on your promise and what that means for my life. Help me to see the difference between lies and your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
