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We close our our study of Go! The Epistle to the Galatians ends with chapter six. Here are today's reflections and ponderings:
Even with all the negativity Paul encountered with this church, he speaks of restoration as being important to him. Paul writes that those caught in sin, or in this case, guilty of being involved in or promoting this movement towards observances of the Law, could be restored. Paul does urge caution to those helping restore the guilty back in, for Paul fears one could just as easily be dragged into the "sin" from which a person is being rescued. Paul does urge all to be supportive of others in whatever we may be facing or carrying as a load in our lives. We should not take a haughty attitude about ourselves. We should test ourselves without comparing ourselves to somebody else. As we learn, we should share with others those things that we are learning, even with the one teaching us.
We should know that God cannot be fooled or mocked. One reaps what one sows. If we sow in the field of human pleasure, we will sow things from that same field, which usually is a field of destruction. If we sow in the spiritual field, we will reap eternal life. We should never grow weary of sowing in the spiritual realm, for Paul believes a great harvest is coming if we do not give up. We have an opportunity to do good for all, especially those who belong to the family of believers. We are guilty sometimes of doing more for those outside our own families, and neglect our own; Paul says, sometimes the greatest need may be inside the family of believers.
Paul hand wrote this first of his major letters, and closes it with yet another warning against the movement that had poisoned the Galatian church. There is no need for circumcision among Christian believers, he writes. Paul understands this to simply be a ploy for those wanting to escape persecution for believing in the cross of Jesus. Paul writes that he knows that even those circumcised do not keep the law, but seek only to win converts for boasting purposes.
What a beautiful closing: "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation." How true. We can do whatever we believe is necessary to show on the outside our faithfulness; but what really matters is if we're a new creation in Jesus Christ; that will give us away!
Paul closes with his blessings for peace and mercy upon all who read or heard this letter's content; as well as requesting he not be troubled, for he bore the marks of Jesus upon his body. Some have wondered and written about Paul having the stigmata, a real and physical manifestation of wounds in the hands and feet; but we do not know for sure. I believe that surely Paul bore the marks of his faithfulness to Jesus from the stonings, beatings, and other physical attacks done upon his body by those who hated him. Yet, he closes this letter with his blessings of grace and peace.
GO AND GROW PRAYER: Loving God, may the marks of Jesus' love, service, compassion, teaching sharing, and obedience be upon me this day and all days. May I truly be one who seeks to serve You in all things, evidence of my being a new creature in You. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.
