Today we are reading Galatians 3:15-29. I have posted it below. If you have a few extra minutes and please share your insights. Here are today’s verses for you to read:
“15 Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though a last will and testament is just a human covenant, yet when it has been signed and made legally binding, no one sets it aside or adds to it [modifying it in some way]. 16 Now the promises [in the covenants] were decreed to Abraham and to his seed. God does not say, “And to seeds (descendants, heirs),” as if [referring] to many [persons], but as to one, “And to your Seed,” who is [none other than] Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the Law, which came into existence four hundred and thirty years later [after the covenant concerning the coming Messiah], does not and cannot invalidate the covenant previously established by God, so as to abolish the promise. 18 For if the inheritance [of what was promised] is based on [observing] the Law [as these false teachers claim], it is no longer based on a promise; however, God granted it to Abraham [as a gift] by virtue of His promise. 19 Why, then, the Law [what was its purpose]? It was added [after the promise to Abraham, to reveal to people theirguilt] because of transgressions [that is, to make people conscious of the sinfulness of sin], and [the Law] was ordained through angels and delivered to Israel by the hand of a mediator [Moses, the mediator between God and Israel, to be in effect] until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now the mediator or go-between [in a transaction] is not [needed] for just one party; whereas God is only one [and was the only One giving the promise to Abraham, but the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity depended on both]. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a system of law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness (right standing with God) would actually have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has imprisoned [a]everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son]. 23 Now before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, [perpetually] imprisoned [in preparation] for the faith that was destined to be revealed, 24 with the result that the Law has become our tutor and our disciplinarian to guide us to Christ, so that we may be [b]justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing with God] by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under [the control and authority of] a tutor and disciplinarian. 26 For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. 28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. 29 And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” Galatians 3:15-29
The law held them captive and imprisoned them. It revealed all of their sins and flaws. But when Christ came, they were set free through their faith in him. They became sons of God with a unique unity between races, nations, economic levels, and gender. God erased the dividing lines and made them all sons of God. In the family of God, there is no room for discrimination based on our differences. We are to treat everyone equally. Jesus has united us all through our faith in Christ. Yet, we live in a day in age when we are easily divided by our race, our political differences, our economic differences, and our gender. Until Christ returns, we are called to strive for unity inside the church based on our faith alone.
My reflection for the day: During this time and era, there is such division amongst people. It seems to me that everywhere you go, you are expected to choose a group or side to belong to. Being a part of the body of Christ is where I find the peace that we are clothed in Christ and have unity in taking on the character and values of Christ. Remember that our thoughts, ideas, and opinions are just that, and we need to go to the word and measure it accordingly, whether it has anything to do with our salvation. I am challenged to not place myself under my own laws, that I create, and keep myself in right standing with the righteousness of Christ. He is the one who provides freedom from the law through the covenant of grace and salvation that He has provided for us.
Reflection Questions: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling with discrimination? What can you do to live more united with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
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