Devotional - Aug. 14, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

If we assume the burden of the law is gone, it's not.  At least in the minds of many who claim to be Christian.  They worry about the children who are stillborn or the people who died before they were baptized.  Did they go to hell because of it?  Or even the adult who had a bad morning and may have said or done some things that were not right.  What happens if they died before asking forgiveness.  Are they condemned because they died in sin?  The issue Paul is focussing on in this letter is circumcision.  The Judiazers who had infiltrated the Galatian church told the people they had to be circumcised in order to be the people of God.  In Judaism that is correct (Genesis 17: 10-14).  In Christianity, we believe our salvation comes from God (John 3:16) and our salvation is based on our faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2: 8-9).  Does that mean, there is no such thing as sin?  No.  But the power of sin, being the power to condemn (Ro 6: 1-11), separate (Ro 8: 38-38), and destroy (1 Cor 15: 55-57) has been abolished through Christ Jesus.  The Lord Jesus Christ is our Judge (Math 25: 31-32).  Sin is not an issue for the believer because they want nothing to come between them and God.  They are not trying to enjoy their life with God and their life in the world (flesh/sin) at the same time.  You can't be two-faced with God.  Yet, we should judge others either.  One person may be trying their hardest to grow spiritually and relationally with God, but it doesn't look like it to you.  But God knows and God's grace will support them (2 Peter 3:9, 2 Cor 12:9).  While another looks about as good as one can be, but God knows they are deceiving everyone.  Yes, we need to have a discerning spirit and be wise in how we deal with others, but that is different from judging them.  Especially, when we judge them according to the Law.  The last thing you want to be is a stumbling block for them (1 Cor 8:9, Mt 18:7).  The most persuasive act we can do for others is live a Godly life (1 Tim 6:6).  Not compulsively, like we have to prove or make up for something, but naturally, ...authentically.  In so doing, we and those around us are blessed (1 Tim 4:16, Mt 5:16).  As far as the questions I began with, leave those questions with God whose character and love were revealed and manifested in the life and death of Jesus Christ.  You can rest, entrusting them and their situation with God.

Pray with me, ... Holy God, you know us through and through.  You know our short-comings both personal and in our lives with others.  Thank you for Your grace and salvation.  By Your Spirit, lead us onward.  Hear us, O God, as we pray for our loved ones, we ask Your blessing upon them.  We ask Your blessing upon our church, help us to be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian