GALATIANS 6:11- 18

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007
 

LET’S BRAG ABOUT THE CROSS

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Galatians 6:6-10 (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 nineteenth and last in this series of Devotions.

As we come to the final verses of the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, St. Paul wraps it up with emphasis. It is too bad that most, if not all, translations do not use LARGE LETTERS in verses 11 - 16 to go along with the words that were written.

St. Paul wants the Galatians to remember that circumcision is no longer the sign of allegiance or faith in God. He says that it makes no difference in God’s eyes if you are circumcised or not. He further condemns those who teach that circumcision is the way to God.

Pause for a moment and think about the same thing that happens today. There are many radio and television preachers and evangelists that make the same false offers. Instead of demanding circumcision as the only sign of faith, the modern day demand is your financial gift. Give this much a month or that much a week, and God will be so pleased. And then some will also add, give even if it is a sacrifice, and God will be even more pleased.

Those who preached the law of circumcision could boast of the numbers that they brought to God. The modern day counterparts boast of the dollars they bring to their particular ministry. Rarely, in either case, is there a plea to Love God so what you do for Him is not because of a Law, but because of His Love that had increased your faith.

St. Paul concludes that he is not boasting as he writes. He goes on to say that the only thing that he has to boast about is the fact that as a sinner who has come to repentance by the Grace of God, he can boast in the Cross of Jesus Christ. He can do that because it is only by the Cross of Christ that salvation will be His. Not by circumcision, not by financial gifts, not by anything; only the death of Christ on the Cross. It was there the ransom for our sins was paid by Jesus. The only things that we do that are pleasing to God are done in thankfulness for the Blood of Jesus that has washed and will daily wash away our sins when we come before God in faith, in prayer and in love, seeking His gracious gift of forgiveness.

Now I join with St. Paul in the words he has chosen to close this Letter to the Galatians. “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, we know that the greatest gift a child can give to a parent is a loving, positive response of obedience to what they are to do or not do. Help us to understand that you only ask the same thing and help us to respond with the innocence and willingness of a small child. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Is there something that you do that you know God wants you to do, but you really don’t want to do it? Something that you don’t enjoy or think you really don’t have time for? Maybe it is going to Church or Sunday School, spending time each day in Bible Reading and Study, praying. etc. Pray about it in words something like this:  Lord, I know I should ____________. Open my heart that I might find the real joy that is there when I spend time with you. AMEN.