GALATIANS 2:1-10

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2007

WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THE MESSAGE?

1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do. Galatians 2:1-10 (NKJV)

As I have done in the past I have chosen to do a series of Devotions by going verse by verse through a Book of the Bible. This time I have chosen the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. The first Devotion, for Chapter 1, verses 6 - 10, was written earlier and can be found by going to the Devotion Archives. Each following devotion will remain on this page for approximately 6 days before it will be transferred to the Archives. It is my prayer that these devotions will assist you in your Bible Study and in your growth in Faith and in the Love of Jesus.  Here then is the fourth in this series of Devotions.

This is another of those passages that most people believe has little value for their Life in Christ. People read it quickly and go on to the next verses. There are two important concepts here that are vital for us to know if we are to be the people Christ has called us to be, First of all, it gives us the understanding of the basic mission of St. Paul was to the Gentiles, while for St. Peter it was to the Jews.

For the second reason, I hope this short illustration will help you to understand why the discussion of seeking Jews or Gentiles for Christ is so important for us today.

At a meeting of the Church Board, the Pastor was told that the church needs more new members. “Pastor” they said,” we don’t know how we are going to meet our budget unless we get more new members and their offerings.” That was a RED FLAG for the Pastor, but all he said was, “I agree, we do need more members.”

The Pastor began to plan an Evangelism Program and enlisted the help of several people. Calls were made on the unchurched of the area, brochures were printed and distributed, and sermons were preached on the need to reach people for Christ. It was kind of on the old theme of "Each One. Reach One."

A few new faces began to show up at worship. One visitor was a rather well know person who was thought to be wealthy. The Church Board was excited as they could see the additional dollars would be filling the offering plates. A couple of Sundays later, a young member, who was a Social Worker, brought three families with her to Sunday School and Church. Not many people knew these visitors. The Church Board hurried to the Pastor and said, “We can’t have these people here. Did you see the way they were dressed? They are probably on welfare, they can’t help us. They are different than we are.” The Pastor simply replied, “You told me we need new members, and that is exactly what we are trying to do.”

This has happened in many congregations. In some, after bitter arguments among the people, the Pastor was fired and the congregation continued to look for people like them who could give the money to pay the bills. Fortunately, in some other congregations, the people were willing to listen to God’s Word as the Pastor shared it with them. As a result there was plenty of room in the church for all who believed in God’s Word and sought to live as God’s Word directed them to live. For these congregations, it did not matter what the color of skin, what nationality, or if they were poor; all that mattered was that they Loved God and knew that God loved them.

The argument around St. Peter and St. Paul was “Is God’s message only for the Jews?" With God’s guidance, it was decided that God so loved the world, that God sent His Son that the World might be saved. Not just the Jews, all people.

WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THE MESSAGE?  All people. Look around. Determine with whom you can share the message of God’s Love. Remember, Jesus said, “Go ye therefore and teach ALL NATIONS...” To me that means all people. WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THE MESSAGE FROM YOU?

WE PRAY: LORD JESUS, help me to look upon all people as equals. We are equal because we are all sinners. We are equal because you have promised forgiveness of our sins to all who call upon your Holy Name. Send your Holy Spirit upon me that I might have the desire and power to share this Good News with at least one person this week. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Listen carefully to what people say. Always be ready to respond in a caring way. When people know that you care, you can help them know that you care because God cares about them.