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Tuesday 30 January 2018

"Make Alive... Believe."

I ask for the grace to pray and meditate faithfully.  I ask for patience, tolerance, compassion, and empathy.  I ask for the grace to abstain from anger, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, discouragement, and self-importance.  I ask to know and follow Jesus more closely, seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.


Galatians 3:19-22
19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. 20Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.
21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 22But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.


1) "...offspring;" "...angels;" "...mediator;" "...God is one;" "...make alive;" "...promised through faith;" "...given to those who believe;"


2) So, here, Paul argues that the law as only meant as an intermediary until "the offspring" would come.  The law was given because of the continual transgressions of the people, to keep them part of the promise until the mediator came.  But now that the mediator has come, there is no longer any use for the law for those who were not already under it.  I feel a great deal of suspicion as I read these words.  I'm cautious of an anti-Semitic reading. But, again, Paul is asserting that those who were not already under the law, the gentiles, have not need for the law... they do not need to be circumcised; they do not need to follow the dietary restrictions.  Funny that I've just preached on 1 Corinthians where he tells the "strong" the should not eat meat if it threatens the faith of one of the "weak."  Really, Paul wants us to listen to what is genuinely in our own hearts, and not be persuaded by fancy "authoritative" arguments.  Paul wants us to "trust," "believe," in the Christ speaking in our hearts. 


3) What is the invitation in all this? To listen carefully, prayerfully, to the voice of Christ speaking among us. Love one another. Act lovingly toward one another. Live with compassion, empathy, and justice. Particular practices are meant to build up, not tear down the body of Christ.


"Holy One, help us to pray, to make alive, to believe, and to live under your power."


Breathprayer: "Make Alive... Believe."



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