Uncomplicated

Galatians 3:6-14

Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew. The disciples were Jews. The roots of the faith are in Judaism. Christ’s coming was foretold as part of Jewish prophecy. Controversy began when non-Jews were welcomed into the sect. This was the first big church conflict: Can non-Jews be Christians? How did it get flipped around so that now it is more likely today for it to be considered odd for a Jew to be a Christian? Some scholars say the big turning point was at the end of the first century, when a school of rabbis effectively excommunicated the Christians from Judaism. Christianity was in a way a reform movement that grew out of its original context. Consider, then, what history calls The Reformation. The “Reformers” (do we forget what that word means – the intent of Luther et al was not a new church, but a reformed one?) attempted to change the existing church and ended up ‘starting’ the Protestant church.

History repeats. How many instances do you know of (there is an example here locally) where there is an attempt to bring something new and vibrant within the existing church, but the church as it is can’t handle it, so a ‘new’ church is the result? The good side is that the mosaic of the Body of Christ increases so that there is increased opportunity for people to know Jesus and grow in him. The down side is that something of the unity of our adventure for the kingdom together is lost.

Paul’s dream – and what everyone seemed to have started with – was that all could be part of this new venture. Jews could be Jews and keep whatever practices were important to them. Gentiles would not be obliged to be part of that. Jews would not be offended at that. Gentiles would not be offended at what Jews felt important for them. The power of the Spirit initially overcame all class and ethnic distinctions.

The part of Paul’s letter to the Galatians we are at addresses the question of the role of the Law given to Moses in the church as it began, given that the church included people without the background that included the Law (an instructive question for a church, and especially preachers, attempting to communicate with people with no background in any of this!). Paul reasons that God considered Abraham righteous by faith (Genesis 15:4-6). Abraham’s family are those who also follow the Lord through faith, and not by heritage or by following the Law, which is impossible to do completely anyway. The Law is even a ‘curse’ if considered the means of salvation, since it is impossible for anyone to fulfill.

Next (Galatians 3:15-29): So what role does the biblical Law have?’

Prayer:
What a wonderful plan you have for us, Lord! Why do we work so hard at making complicated what you have made so simple? Help me un-complicate my life; help people in high places un-complicate their lives; and let us live in the simplicity of trusting you. Through Christ. Amen.