Where did we learn
everything that we have learned? Who or what was the source of it,
and has it made a difference in our lives? Many of us can think of a
special teacher or two who impacted our lives tremendously, and we
all should appreciate someone for simply the ability to read these
words. Paul the apostle shares about the importance of instructors as
he continues his illustration about an heir in chapter four and verse
two of Galatians where he wrote:
But is under tutors and
governors until the time appointed of the father.
Once
again Paul employs the word “But” to show the statement he
is about to make takes priority over what was previously stated. Paul
has told us how an immature heir is treated much like a servant while
he or she is in that state. There are laws and rules that must be
obeyed by the child heir if he or she is ever going to mature enough
to enjoy that which he or she is heir over. Paul says, “But is
under tutors and governors...” which means they have a manager
of their affairs, a steward, superintendent, or an overseer. Some
would understand this to mean “a nanny” or “child's nurse.”
The ideas is that someone is continually watching over the child.
Paul then adds a time limit
for this overseer, “until the time appointed of the father.”
When maturity sets in, a father
of a child may deem the child responsible and able to handle
inherited things. We understand why a small child is not allowed to
drive an automobile. He or she is not mature enough to handle such
responsibility. However, as a child grows, he or she may acquire the
skills and ability to manage a vehicle. This is the same for the
heir. As soon as the father sees maturity in the heir, he or she may
enjoy the fruits of his or her inheritance.
Now
let us remember that Paul the apostle is using this illustration to
demonstrate the timing for the law of God and the promise of God. The
relationship between the law of God and His promise is much like the
maturing process of an heir. The law was and is important to mankind
because it tutors and governs over behavior and demonstrates the
rebellion that lies within. Once a maturing takes place, the law has
fulfilled its purpose, and the person now lives under the promise of
God. Once the appointed time of the father arrives, the law is not as
necessary. This timing does not nullify the law, but it rather
fulfills it. Our Heavenly Father has designed such a wonderful plan
for the salvation of people. He introduced the law to bring us to an
understanding that we are lawbreakers, then He leads us to faith and
trust in Jesus Christ His Son who paid the price for our sins upon
the cross. When this time comes, we become His children and now enjoy
the beauty and benefits of being His heirs. There is so much more to
say about these things, however, we will wait for our next occasion
to share about them.
Next time we will
discover how we as children were under the elements of the world, so
read ahead, and let us join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the daily 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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