Click here to watch my video reflection on our text for today, or keep reading for my written reflections: 

Today’s reading is from Galatians 4: 8-20: 

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. 9 Now, however, that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again? 10 You are observing special days, and months, and seasons, and years. 11 I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.

12 Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. 13 You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; 14 though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. 18 It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Today’s reading is such an interesting passage to me because we see Paul’s love for the Galatians. This love was formed during his time with them because something happened there.  We see that Paul had some type of weakness or sickness there, perhaps with his eyes (some scholars think the thorn in the flesh that Paul talks about may have been an eyesight problem.  Here he mentions how they would have torn out their own eyes for his sake).  They showed kindness to him in his time with them.  They loved him and he them.  

But now, he is confused by their actions. He doesn’t understand.  He doesn’t get it. 

That makes me think of how as parents, we sometimes shake our heads at what our kids are doing and say, “really?  What are you doing?”  We can be confused by their actions. 

Ever wondered if that is how God feels towards us sometimes?  I’m sure it is.  Thankful God knows the future and is never surprised by our actions.  He knows.  

As parents, that can give us hope as well.  He knows the actions of our children. He knows their future. And it is good for us to be reminded that as much as we love our kids, God loves them more.  We can trust our kids with Him.  We can.  He loves them.  

Paul was confused by the Galatians. We are confused at times by our kids. But we can always trust, always trust, that God is at work in their lives, bringing something good. Trust. God is always at work. 

Monday we’ll look at Galatians 4: 21-31.  

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