February 9, 2010

Galatians 3:21-4:7 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Sharing God's Love

Introduction

Galatians 3:21-4:7: Paul argues that the Law was meant to teach people until they had faith, but that once they had faith, the Law was no longer necessary. He says that baptism gives a new identity in Christ that makes people equal, regardless of race, rank or gender. He says that God sent the Holy Spirit into their hearts.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:27

You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself.

Today’s Reading

²¹Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. ²²But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. ²³But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. ²⁴And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. ²⁵Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. ²⁶It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁷You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. ²⁸So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁹If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. ¹But now to continue—the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. ²While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. ³In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. ⁴But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children. ⁶To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” ⁷So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children.

Reflect

In biblical times, people considered the heart to be the place where the human will was located. What does it mean for God to send Christ's spirit into human hearts? How is Christ's spirit a source of liberation? What gets in the way of your experience of freedom in Christ?

Pray

God of Freedom, release me from the doubts, brokenness and struggle that keep me from fully experiencing your love. Strengthen my faith that I may grow in wisdom, justice and mercy. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those working for equality