December 23 2005 Gal 3:15-22
December 23, 2005 Galatians 3:15-22
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Galatians 3:17-22 “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 has 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.”
What is going to save us from our transgressions? The law? Once it did but then God fulfilled His promise through the one offspring, Jesus Christ. This came about through faith in Jesus Christ.
Mary and Joseph had this faith. Both when visited by an angel were given the message that all would be well. I don’t care whether it happened today or over 2000 years ago, but being a single girl about the age of Julie Wheeler (14 years old), finding out that you’re pregnant by the Holy Spirit and have never been with a man sounds insane. But Mary had the faith that was needed to do God’s will. And of course, Joseph could continue to allow his love for Mary to grow because he had faith.
When was the last time you had faith like Mary and Joseph? Faith that kept you on the straight and sometimes narrow path. Mary’s answer when she was told about becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit – ‘Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ This is the faith that Christ wants us to have and live each day.
In John 20:29 Jesus said to Thomas his disciple “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” This scripture defines faith, at least for me. Paul tried to explain to the Galatians why there had to be laws. Our sinful lives made it necessary for God to send down laws. But what God really wants from us is faithfulness.
Faith is not a non-action event. It takes great action from each of us to live a faithful life. Faith is believing when the rest of “the world” tells you it can’t happen. Because a teenage girl said ‘let it be with me according to your word,’ Jesus the Messiah was born to save this world. This Advent, may we be able to say to God – “Let it be with me according to your word!” May we all be able to bring that gift to the child in the manger.
Gracious God, You love us so much that you sent your only Son to come to earth; to be tempted as we are; to face the day in day out disappointments, sorrows and fears. But you love us just as much as you love Him. Forgive us when we act like Thomas and strengthen us with your righteousness. Thank you for giving yourself to us. Amen.
Contributed by Rachel O’Dowd
Get today's podcast here!
Galatians 3:17-22 “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 has 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.”
What is going to save us from our transgressions? The law? Once it did but then God fulfilled His promise through the one offspring, Jesus Christ. This came about through faith in Jesus Christ.
Mary and Joseph had this faith. Both when visited by an angel were given the message that all would be well. I don’t care whether it happened today or over 2000 years ago, but being a single girl about the age of Julie Wheeler (14 years old), finding out that you’re pregnant by the Holy Spirit and have never been with a man sounds insane. But Mary had the faith that was needed to do God’s will. And of course, Joseph could continue to allow his love for Mary to grow because he had faith.
When was the last time you had faith like Mary and Joseph? Faith that kept you on the straight and sometimes narrow path. Mary’s answer when she was told about becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit – ‘Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ This is the faith that Christ wants us to have and live each day.
In John 20:29 Jesus said to Thomas his disciple “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” This scripture defines faith, at least for me. Paul tried to explain to the Galatians why there had to be laws. Our sinful lives made it necessary for God to send down laws. But what God really wants from us is faithfulness.
Faith is not a non-action event. It takes great action from each of us to live a faithful life. Faith is believing when the rest of “the world” tells you it can’t happen. Because a teenage girl said ‘let it be with me according to your word,’ Jesus the Messiah was born to save this world. This Advent, may we be able to say to God – “Let it be with me according to your word!” May we all be able to bring that gift to the child in the manger.
Gracious God, You love us so much that you sent your only Son to come to earth; to be tempted as we are; to face the day in day out disappointments, sorrows and fears. But you love us just as much as you love Him. Forgive us when we act like Thomas and strengthen us with your righteousness. Thank you for giving yourself to us. Amen.
Contributed by Rachel O’Dowd
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