Nap, Snack, or What?

      Today's reading will certainly bring out questions like, "Paul, do you need a nap, a snack, or what?" The Church of Galatia certainly made Paul angry. It is helpful for us to understand that there are some big problems there. Paul's anger, though, might make him a bit hard to understand, so let me break it down for you. Even after Paul's capable teaching and church

planting, he left and they did some serious backsliding into who they were, but with a dark twist. They were making the requirements of the Law for a Jew, the requirements for all who would become Christians. Initiates were required to be circumcised and follow a list of prerequisites.

     That was just way back then, right? Well, yes and no. We no longer require Christian males to be circumcised, but there are many groups of Christianity that follow the tone of Galatia in hierarchy and a code of holiness requirements--often written and unwritten. What's the big deal? It is a Gospel issue. The freedom that God gives us is for a purpose and a mission, it comes as a gift without barriers.

     Righteous anger is good as long as it is directed at those who would twist and pervert the true meaning of the Gospel for all people. I must add that slavery is also included here. Earlier in this letter, Paul makes it clear that the Gospel also means that distinctions between people are no more. The only slavery that may exist is the spiritual and mental devotion of people for God.

Galatians 5:2-15

Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

God, calm our minds and soothe our spirits as we turn to you in prayer. Guide us to be patient with ourselves and with each other. Help us to see in your freedom the peace to fully live as your people. Continue to break down the walls, barriers, and divisions that we make among us. Illuminate the beauty of diversity before our eyes when we have darkened our minds' veil. Be with all those who are working for harmony and liberation. Help and heal all those who are sick or suffering,... Bless and strengthen those gifted with a ministry of direct care or support. All these things and whatever else you see that we need, we humbly ask in the Name of Christ Jesus our deliverer. Amen.