What a transformation

Galatians 4:1-7

¹ Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. ² They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. ³ And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.

⁴ But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ⁵ God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. ⁶ And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Imagine growing up as a slave. In first-century culture, the children of slaves were also born into slavery – owned by their parents’ master.  You would know from a young age that you had no freedom.

Then, one day, your master decides to adopt you as a son (or daughter). All of a sudden you were loved rather than owned. All of a sudden you had a good relationship with the master. All of a sudden, he says you can call him “Daddy”, and he loves to spend time talking with you. And you are suddenly an heir – you will inherit the master’s estate. What a transformation!

Would you choose to go back to a life of slavery instead of this privileged position? With this understanding, the answer is “Of course not!!”. But the Galatians didn’t understand that choosing to go back to trying to gain salvation through the law was exactly that.

Jesus said, “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18) Some people have used this statement to ‘re-enslave’ themselves to the law – a remarkably common attitude in our society is that people get salvation by ‘being a good person’. But Jesus’ perfection meant that he fulfilled the law and saves us through grace when we have faith in him. He has given us the Holy Spirit “to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13) In other words, the Holy Spirit in us gives us both the desire and strength to live for God. We now serve, and try to do his will out of love, not enslavement.

Abba, Father, thank you for adopting me as your daughter. I love you. Help me to live in a way that pleases you, for your good pleasure. Holy Spirit, please work in me to make me more like Jesus. Amen

Written by Megan Cornell