Scripture
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Galatia, where, like in many early churches, Jews greatly outnumbered Gentiles. Many questions and issues arose when the Gentiles came to the church. A group of Jewish believers, the Judaizers, insisted that the Gentiles needed to submit to circumcision and the laws of Moses to be saved. It’s in this context that Paul goes on to reiterate that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by observing the law.
God’s Word is revolutionary. The old order of things doesn’t reflect the new life and new identity we receive in Christ: we are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ, and if we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (v.26 and v.29).
Thoughts for the day
- Are those words true to us when it comes to treating others in the church?
- Or does the color of skin, nationality, social status or gender influence us in how we see others and how we see ourselves?
Let us be one in Christ Jesus. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21-24
Prayer
Today, take a moment, wherever you are, to PAUSE in God’s presence. Find a spot where you can stop and be quiet for a minute.
