A cry from the heart
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are everything to me; may I offer all that I am to You.
Read GALATIANS 4:8–20
[8] Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. [9] But now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? [10] You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! [11] I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. [12] I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. [13] As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, [14] and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. [15] Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. [16] Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? [17] Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. [18] It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. [19] My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, [20] how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does Paul position himself before his readers?In pain and indignation, Paul has reached for his pen to write this letter. He fears that his Galatian converts are being seduced by something far inferior to the gospel. Having stepped into the light and freedom of Christ, they are now turning back to the bondage of outdated rituals and pointless superstitions (9). But the gospel sets us free! In what ways do we find ourselves liberated from the preoccupations and obsessions of our society and culture? Having argued with his head that salvation comes by faith alone and not by keeping the Jewish Law, Paul now opens his heart to his readers (12–16). There was a time when he put himself out for his Galatian friends—and they would have done anything for him. He brought them to new birth with all the love of a mother—surely they are not now going to become enemies. Have you ever seen someone you love about to make a terrible mistake—and felt helpless to prevent them? If so, you know something of Paul’s anguish.
Apply
Reflect on how what we believe changes our attitudes, transforms our relationships and informs our choices.
Closing prayer
Heavenly Father, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psa. 16:11).
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