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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons
Tuesday, December 22
Galatians 3:1-14
by Richard Jann
In this passage, Paul writes to the Galatians about choosing between the law and faith. I can see their problem. I’m supposed to obey the law, right? But I’m also supposed be faithful to God. What about when they don’t agree? Which do I follow? I’m caught in a dilemma.
God’s love and strength are always there. Since returning to the church after many years away, my faith has been renewed, but I still wonder. How much do I trust in God? Just how strong is my faith? In the face of tragedy and disappointments, where is God? Will my faith and prayers be strong enough to carry me through?
My faith does give me guidance when I have difficulties in my relationships with my children and with my younger brother. Thinking about what choices Christ might have made can help me to handle the situation and find some solutions. Just talking to God in prayer is helpful, and so is talking to people in our church family.
In Galatians 2:19-20 [ read it ], right before today’s passage, Paul writes, “Through the law, I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but it is Christ who lives in me.”
So Paul is telling the people not to follow their old laws and customs and traditions, but to follow Christ. It is through the crucifixion experience of Christ that our faith and faithfulness lives. We are called children of God, and God is the parent whom I should follow and obey.
Prayer
Lord, as we celebrate the Christ season, renew our faith and our trust in you. Amen.