Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11)
Oy
If only he had said, “The righteous will live by rules.”
Rules are things I can quantify
and measure
and obey even if I don’t really believe them.
Rules I can follow
or fake.
I can go through the motions while my heart is busy elsewhere.
This faith business…it takes away pretty much all of my power.
OK, what do you mean, “That’s the whole point?”
Happy Friday, Beloved.
All who rely on the law are under a curse, for it it written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (Galatians 3:10).
God: Storm’s coming. Take my hand.
Me: No worries. I can swim.
God: Yes, but this is a hurricane. You can’t swim in this.
Me: Actually, I’m really good.
God: Not this good. I’m talking about 100 foot waves that never stop.
Me: I’ll be fine.
God: You’ll die. Take my hand.
Me: I won third place in the Camp Shoobedoobe Summer Swim-Off.
God: You’re not strong enough. No one is.
Me: I have to do this on my own.
God: Take my hand.
Me: Ooh, cramp! Push through it…push through it!
God: Take my hand.
Me: No thanks, I’m…gurgle gurgle glug.
Sound familiar?
Trust me–your floaties won’t get you there.
Happy Thursday, Beloved.
So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith (Galatians 3:9).
If you made an appearance in Scripture, how would you be referenced?
I think, “The Man of Faith” is pretty great.
Go Abraham.
You know, Beloved, you may not be specifically written into the Bible, but your name is clearly written in another important God book–
The Book of Life.
You know, that book in which the Lord of the Universe records the names of those who are eternally, irrevocably his.
Pretty important book–and you’re in it. Maybe even in bold font, though I can’t confirm that.
So, remind me again why you have trust issues?
And by you, I mean we.
Happy Wednesday, Beloved.
The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the Gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” (Galatians 3:8)
The Scripture foresaw…
The Scripture announced…
Sounds like a plan was already in place.
Before Abraham
Before us
So…you mean God’s not making this up as he goes along?
Cool
Maybe I can relax my grip.
Just a little
Happy Tuesday, Beloved.
Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7).
Father Abraham
Had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham.
I am one of them
And so are you
So let’s just praise the Lord!
This song, with the accompanying hand and foot motions and giggling, is about all I remember from my first, rather unproductive, visit to Sunday School.
This song, and a raging fistfight that broke out between two of the other little boys. All and all, I decided that I’d rather be home watching Popeye and Friends, hosted by Tom Hatten. Now to be fair, it wasn’t just Popeye. They also showed Tom Slick, George of the Jungle, and Super Chicken. In between cartoons, Tom took squiggles that kids mailed in and turned them into amazing cartoon drawings.
Aaaand…that totally beat learning about Jesus on a Sunday morning.
That Michael. Such a spiritual young man.
But I remembered the song. And years later, when a slightly matured Michael learned about our adoption as Sons of God and becoming heir to the promises of eternal life, it clicked.
I am a child of Abraham
even though I’m not
because I believe.
Not do
Not earn
Not accomplish
Believe
As you head into Labor Day, hang onto that, ya?
Happy Monday, Beloved.
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Galatians 3:6)
You try so hard
to earn a smile
a nod
a “well done” from the one you serve.
And yet, the only way to earn it
is to understand
that you can never deserve it.
The only way to achieve it
is to admit
that it is forever beyond you.
The only way to arrive
is to realize
that you are already there
and always have been,
carried in his arms.
Why do we make things so complicated, Beloved?
We are a very silly people.
Happy Friday.
Consider Abraham: “He believed God…” (Galatians 3:6).
This is one of my favorites.
Paul says, “He believed God,” not, “He believed in God.”
Chew on thatun for a minute.
Sometimes, all God wants is for you to believe him.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that he has a purpose for you.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that you are enough.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that you are forgiven.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that he has chosen you.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that you will be his forever.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that you are utterly complete in him.
Believe that he loves you.
Believe that he loves you.
Beloved, sometimes it is hard to believe all the promises that God has made. We are somewhat accustomed to people breaking promises.
But your God calls you to believe him,
and he’s trustworthy, ya?
Happy Thursday, Beloved
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?(Galatians 2:21)
Hold on a second.
Read that verse again.
Not to be dense or anything, but do you realize what you just read?
Twice?
God has given you his Spirit.
The Holy Spirit of God lives in you. He just…gave it to you.
That’s crazy–no offense, but it is.
God has worked miracles in you, through you, for you.
Miracles
from God
to you.
Again…crazy.
Is there any way you could ever imagine that you could possibly earn such a gift?
Enjoy the blessings, Beloved. You don’t deserve a one of ‘em!
Happy Wednesday.
Have you suffered so much for nothing–if it really was for nothing? (Galatians 3:4)
If you can do it on your own, then the cross wasn’t necessary.
If the cross wasn’t necessary, then your suffering for Christ is meaningless.
If your suffering is meaningless, then you are an idiot fool person making unwise choices.
Look, chances are none of you reading this has known the kind of suffering that the early church had to deal with. Still, following Christ has cost you, in some cases dearly. Are you sure the cost is worth it?
I mean, reallytrulydowninyourbones sure?
Good
Oh, just one more question: Why are you still trying to make it on your own?
Happy Tuesday, Beloved.
Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (Galatians 3:3)
Do you remember how it was in the beginning?
Not THE BEGINNING–none of us is that old, even if it feels like it on Monday morning. No, I mean your beginning. Do you remember how it was when you first gave your heart to Christ? How you trusted him completely, how you knew you were utterly incapable of doing this on your own and so threw yourself at his feet?
Yeah, that was a good time. You stayed out of God’s way and let him do his work. And he did good stuff. Whaddaya think–could you go back to that place? Can you get yourself back to that state of total dependence on God?
No–you can’t get yourself there.
But
you can ask God to take you there, which is kinda the point, ya?
Happy Monday, Beloved.