“Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.” Galatians 4:28-29
As Isaac was a son of promise to Abraham, so all who trust in the Messiah and Savior promised to Abraham are the promised children of Abraham and inherit eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham who made atonement for the sins of the world. But as Ishmael mocked Isaac, so those depending on their own religious works and ceremonies mock and persecute those trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
Grant that I trust in Thee alone, O Christ, that I might be a child of promise and inherit eternal life. Amen.
“For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar — for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children — but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:24-26
The Apostle Paul compares Sarah and Hagar to two covenants: the covenant of promise made with Abraham and the covenant of laws given later on Mt. Sinai. When we seek to be acceptable to God by our own keeping of the laws given to Moses at Mt. Sinai, we are like the children of Hagar, in bondage under the law and condemned by it because of our sins. When we trust in God’s promise of righteousness imputed to us by faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Seed of Abraham, we are like the children of Sarah and are free from the condemnation of the law and inherit the blessings promised to Abraham.
Thank You, dear Lord Jesus, the promised Seed of Abraham, for fulfilling all righteousness for me and then paying the price for my sins by Your death on the cross. Grant that I trust in You alone that I might inherit the blessings promised to Abraham. Amen.
“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise…” Galatians 4:21-23
The question Paul raises is whether we are children of promise or children of bondage, for Abraham had two sons, one of the flesh by a slave woman and one of promise to Abraham and Sarah, and free. Those seeking to be counted righteous based on the law are bound to the law and condemned by it. Those trusting in the promise are counted righteous through faith in Jesus Christ and are free from the law’s condemnation.
O God, grant that I not seek to be counted righteous by my own works under the law but trust in the perfect righteousness of Christ and His atoning sacrifice for my sins. In His name, I pray. Amen.
“Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Galatians 4:16
Like the apostle Paul, a faithful pastor warns his flock concerning sin and doctrinal error and seeks to restore his hearers to the truth so they might be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet far too often, when pastors speak the truth to their parishioners and warn them of the consequences of sin and unbelief, they are hated and rejected for it. Wouldn’t it be better to know the truth and repent rather than remain deceived and be condemned?
O gracious and merciful God, grant that I hear Your Word spoken to me by my pastor and repent of my sins that I might be saved through faith in Christ Jesus and His cross. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.” Galatians 4:14
Like the Apostle Paul, gospel ministers suffer from physical infirmities and weaknesses. Yet, as the apostle was received as a messenger of God — even as Christ Jesus Himself — we need to remember that when ministers, frail as they may be, faithfully speak the Word of God to us, Christ Jesus Himself speaks to us and shares with us His life-giving promises and creates faith in our hearts.
Grant, O Lord, that I hear Your voice when my minister proclaims Your Word and that Your promises convey to me, through faith in Your name, the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting You won for me on the cross. Amen.
