No Longer a Slave

Daily Reading: Galatians 4

We are not children of the slave but of the free woman. (Galatians 4.31)

Devotional Thought: To me, Galatians 4 is one of the most intriguing chapters of the Bible.  In forceful resistance to the teaching of the “Judaizers” (Jewish believers who insisted that Christians observe the Law of the Jews in order to be truly saved), Paul makes a bold contrast between salvation by works and salvation by faith.  Understanding this contrast will take a little thought, but it is worth the time needed.

The reason I find it so intriguing is the argument that Paul makes in the last half of the chapter.  Paul actually says that Gentiles who believe in Christ for salvation are the children of Sarah and her son Isaac – Sarah was the free woman and Isaac was the child of promise.  He further claims that those who depend on the Law for salvation are the children of Hagar and her son Ishmael.  Hagar was the slave woman and Ishmael was the son born in slavery. 

This is amazing because it is in direct contradiction to the historical facts!  If you study the Old Testament, you will find that The Promise came to the people of Israel through Sarah and her son Isaac.  It was into this line of Abraham’s seed that years later the Law of Moses was given.  It would seem, therefore, that Paul has it all wrong.  But, that’s obviously not how he saw it!  Paul looked beyond the blood line of Abraham and Isaac and saw instead the blood of Jesus Christ!  He saw that true freedom comes through faith in the Son of God!  It does not come about by being physically born into the right family.  It comes about by being spiritually born into the family of God!

Prayer: Free!  I thank you, God, that I am free!  I've been born into the blood line of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God.  I am no longer a slave to sin, for Christ has set me free!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 102:12-17

12 But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.

13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come.

14 For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.

15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.

16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.

17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.