Second Day of Lent
Posted on February 23, 2023 by under
Scripture: Galatians 5:5-14 (NKJV)
5:5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Devotion
In the midst of controversy, we can sometimes seek to complicate things more than they need to be. Such controversies often appeal to our pride, since we can convince ourselves that we understand subtleties that others do not and so feel superior to them.
The Galatians were troubled by false teachers who were telling them that they had to obey the Old Testament Law. The controversy specifically concerned circumcision, but it could have been anything else. Paul wrote this letter to masterfully explain how circumcision, itself, never saved anyone. The only thing that avails before God’s throne of justice is the shed blood of Christ, whom Abraham believed in, just as we do. The only difference is that Abraham trusted that Jesus would come, and we trust that He has come.
So, as far as meriting God’s justice, circumcision makes no difference; nor does anything else that we do. However, those who trust in the free grace that God offers us in Christ will also show that same spirit of love and forgiveness to others. In that sense, the Law is not complicated: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Easy words to remember; harder to practice. Lord, help us to love our neighbors as ourselves!
Prayer: O Lord, we beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers, and, having set us free from the bonds of sin, defend us from all evil; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
