We've arrived at the last
verse in the first chapter of Galatians, and we have been observing
Paul's words to the church members there as he shares how the grace
of God has been effective in his own life. Those who would persuade
the Galatian churches to follow the law as well as believe in Jesus
would not be able to argue against the grace of Jesus that was shared
with Paul personally, and if they did so, they would not be
considering the beginning years of Paul's walk of faith. As Paul
explained how he did not go to the apostles except for Peter and
James in later years, Paul also mentioned that the churches in Judea
never saw his face and had only heard of his conversion and preaching
of the same. In verse twenty-four of chapter one, we read the
reaction of those church members to Paul's incredible change. We
read:
And they glorified God
in me.
The
reaction of the people in Judea was, “they glorified God in me.”
The people recognized that a glorious work of God had occurred in
Paul's life. They did not give credit to man, for that would have
been misplaced. They did not give credit to religion, for that would
have been misguided. No, rather, they gave glory to the one to whom
all glory should be given: God. It was God who worked in Paul's life.
It was God who saw to it that Paul would not only be converted, but
also be an instrument for sharing the gospel in his life and words.
If Saul, later called Paul, who was breathing out threatenings and
slaughter against the church could be converted, then anyone could.
If Saul who authorized beatings and imprisonments of Christians could
change, then the grace of Jesus Christ was available to all. If Saul
who held the coats of those who stoned Stephen could be redeemed by
the precious blood of Jesus Christ, no one was exempt. Those who were
in Judea knew this, and they glorified God in Paul for the marvelous
work that had been done.
So who
gets the credit and glory for our lives? Is it people, churches,
religion, or theories? Is it science, sociology, or psychology? Is it
economics, philosophy, or poetic phrases that receive praise? If we
have come to the knowledge of the grace of Jesus Christ in any
measure at all, all glory should go to the author of grace Himself.
Jesus Christ came to this world, lived and died for everyone's sins,
and made a way for all who will believe in Him to not only be
forgiven, but also to live eternally with Him someday. This was and
is His work. This is His plan, and this is His way, and therefore all
glory be to Him and to Him alone both now and forevermore, amen.
Next
time will begin chapter two and see more of Paul's venue after he
received Jesus as his Savior, so read ahead, and let us join together
then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to
Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it
locally
at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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