If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker (Galatians 2:18)
I gotta admit, this verse puzzles me. On the one hand, it seems clear enough. If I offer to replace the broken window, it’s pretty compelling evidence that I broke it. If I fix the side mirror on your car, it kinda proves that I’m the one who sideswiped you. If I say, “I’m sorry,” it shows that I did something wrong.
Usually.
Unless I’m battling deep-seated guilt and feelings of low self worth.
Which I’m not.
I’m sorry.
Anyway, the point is on the other hand. Christ does not fit this pattern. He did not destroy. He was not a lawbreaker. In fact, he rebuilt that which he did not destroy. He rebuilt what I destroyed.
He rebuilt what I destroyed.
So, I’m not exactly sure what Paul is getting at. He seems to place this verse here as proof for his previous statement, that Christ does not promote sin, but I’m having trouble seeing the connection. I’m left with the thought that my pathetic attempts to fix my relationship with God under my own strength are simply more proof that Pride is still very much at work in me.
But seriously…what do I know? If you’ve got a better handle on this verse, please oh please chime in.
Happy Wednesday, Beloved.
If I were to find flowery or concrete language to further elaborate Paul’s admonishment to avoid returning our dependence unto the Law, which is proven incapable of justifying us before the Righteous Judge, I would only reveal the naked corruption of my own ceaseless obsession with that same Law – as I continually find myself unwilling to grasp the concept of Grace, and doggedly clinging to the loftiness of intellectual argument.
Have I done a good job of painting my own corruption? [and desperate need for His merciful care!]