SCRIPTURE: Galatians 4:8-20

OBSERVATION:
Paul describes the observance of special days, months, seasons, years as being enslaved. It is not the personal observance of these things, but the legalistic imposing of these things on others, separating people by them. Paul recalls how they welcomed him before, but how this religious legalism is now separating them. Paul visualizes his work as ‘birthing Christ’ in people, and fears that he has lost this ‘baby’ (ie laboured in vain).

APPLICATION:
If Paul were watching church history, no doubt he also wondered what went wrong. To this day the church seems more concerned about being religious, following rules, and measuring people by what they do/do not do. Even this week I have heard the phrase (in dutch), ”on Sunday?” with the sound of shock and indignation. I need to look within, to discern where I might be focused more on rules and religiosity. Nothing comes to mind, but… I also need to learn better how to ‘birth Christ’.

PRAYER:
Lord, open my eyes to see where I am missing the point. Help me to be gracious with those who test my patience, who make foolish choices, who live under the law. Help me to ‘birth’ You in others, but also in me. Amen.