June 18th - Reflection

Galatians 3:15-22 (NRSV)
The purpose of the law

Brothers and sisters, I give an example from daily life: once a person's will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, "And to offsprings," as of many; but it says, "And to your offspring," that is, to one person, who is Christ. My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.

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. Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one.

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. But 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.

Reflection
A promise through faith in Jesus Christ given to those who believe. So, it seems it comes down to getting out of the way...getting over myself...realizing that I can't do this on my own...see that Jesus has done it all for me...faith in Jesus Christ...belief in Jesus Christ...it's not about me...it's about Christ...I'm not the center of this universe...God is the center.

I am imprisoned to the power of sin and cannot free myself. I can't cure all disease. I can't stop all the war. I can't stop the devil and sin and death.

But I can have faith and believe in Jesus, who can stop disease, death, war and defeat sin, death and the devil. It is through Jesus' powerful grace that I live this eternal life that I now live. It's not through my own efforts but through his gracious action of love.

So, I am called, gifted, enlightened and lead by the Word made flesh to live the life God calls me to live in this kingdom. I am called to do my part. I am called to action. I am called to love my neighbor. I am granted forgiveness and called to forgive. Sounds like enough for this earthly lifetime to me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, this day as you call me out, may I pay attention to you and what you call me to do. May I act in selfless love to those you give to me instead of selfish love for myself. For you are my Lord and my Savior...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen