12-06-2023

Good Morning All,

               Galatians 3:1; “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.”

     Who has bewitched you?  It is something that happens; something like a moth is attracted to a flame or a light bulb.  It is hard for those who are bewitched to pull away, even when we know better.  That is what Paul was telling the Galatians when he wrote them this letter.  Who has bewitched you that you have strayed from the true Gospel of Jesus.

    The Galatians had fallen and followed a twisted view of the Gospel.  The Galatians had become legalistic Christians.  They added some requirements to their faith.  Some were the reintroduction of Jewish traditions and the requirements of “Thou shalt do this;” failure meant that you were somewhat less of a Christian.

    It is fascinating that the struggles of Christians in the 1^st century aren’t a whole lot different that Christians in the 21^st century.  Both generations live in a society that is predominated by unbelief and paganism.  It is easier; the decisions are far simpler, but the path is very slippery.  To constantly say, “you have to do this” or “you can’t do that” makes the freedom that Christ gave us unattainable.

    Often times, legalistic Christians suffer.  We suffer because we swing from a self-centered, self-induced pride in our actions.  We thank God we are not like those sinners and then expect God to “deliver” on the list of goods we determine we deserve.  Then we suffer from a painful realization that we have failed to live the perfect life and we suffer in despair because we see our shortcomings as a cause for God to “zap” us with trials, troubles, and difficulties.

    We are often bewitched by the thought that everything is earned instead of it being a truly free gift.  We are bewitched by the thought “nothing is free” and “there has to be a catch.”  These worldly bewitching thoughts are the flame that draws us to the fire of pain and sadness.  This is just another way for the devil to beset us with his yoke of slavery.

    Jesus freed us from this yoke; don’t put it back on.  Don’t let “have to” and “can’t” rule your life.  Rather let God’s love lead you.  Do you have to attend church? Not to be saved.  Do you have to attend communion? Not to be saved.  Do you have to do a set number of “righteous works” in order to please God?  Our works fall far short of being pleasing to God.  What pleases God is love; love for Him by placing our trust in him and his promise over everything and in loving one another.  This occurs when the love that God shows to us flows through us because of his Spirit living in us.

    We don’t “have to” but we should “want to” do things that show God our love and gratitude for his amazing grace and love.  If we fall short, we are still redeemed children of God washed by the blood of the Lamb.  If we do show love, God’s love will prevail.

Father, help me to keep love for you as my guiding decision.  Lead me to act in love and not in judgment or anger.  Help those who struggle and despair when they fail to keep your law and see that it is by faith we are saved.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret