I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).
Last week we saw that Paul was fired up and angry when writing to the Galatians. In the 8th verse he even pronounced a curse!
The prophets of old were most angry when God’s people turned from the Living God to follow lifeless idols. Paul was angry for the same reason: the Galatians were in danger of forsaking Christ. They were tempted to find their identity in certain rituals and badges of honour (like circumcision). If they went that route they would trample over God’s dream of a family of people from every tribe, nation and race united in Christ. As one theologian notes “membership in God’s family is not by race, but by grace”.[1]
This week our nation remembers June 16th. We’ll be reminded of the animosity that still exists between people of different races, cultures and ideologies. You and I have been set free to show a new way of living. Let us celebrate every opportunity to fellowship with those who seem most different to us but yet, in Christ, are our brothers and sisters.
God Bless, Sean
[1] Wright, T. (1997). For All God’s Worth (p. 107). London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.