Galatians 1:1-12 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 1:1-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1Paul an apostle-sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead- Verse 2and all the members of God's family who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Verse 4who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Verse 5to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Verse 6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- Verse 7not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Verse 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! Verse 9As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!
Verse 10Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Verse 11For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; Verse 12for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Devotion
Hear the good news... Often in the declaration of absolution at worship, those words are spoken. The good news! The gospel! We all like to hear good news. Sometimes when we are told by a medical person that something is terribly wrong with our physical condition, we seek a second opinion, hoping we can hear better news. Sometimes the better news sounds like what we want to hear, but is not really what is best for us. In our reading for today, the Apostle Paul is concerned for the people in the churches of Galatia, that they have been hearing the wrong news, the wrong gospel. We need to be reminded that, whatever our situation, the good news is still that God is with us. Even though God might not change the circumstance, God will be with us through whatever we are experiencing.
Prayer
Ever present God, we are so grateful for the good news we have received through your word. You have promised to be with us through all our joys and trials and tribulations. Help us to relate that assurance to those around us from day to day. Amen.