Galatians 4:12-15 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
Have you ever lost a relationship with someone you once greatly valued? Do you ever remember that friend or family member, the closeness you had and just wonder “what happened?”
Paul’s anguish is palpable. His tone in this letter is harsh at times, the reason is love. He remembers the faith the Galatians had, the way they had shown that faith in their love toward him. The way they had welcomed and loved the gospel message he had proclaimed. His sickness hadn’t bothered them. They hadn’t viewed him as a problem or a burden. So how has it come to this? How can it be that they are listening to false teachers who are saying the opposite of what Paul preached? Never underestimate the power of the lies of Satan. Remember that to keep faith requires attention just as keeping a close relationship does. You can’t leave your bible sitting on the shelf, leave your car parked at home on sunday morning and expect that Satan will not take advantage. Like Paul does for the Galatians, eagerly and earnestly take up the Word of God for yourself and for those you love – Fathers for your wife and children, wives too, teachers for your students. Any day spent without hearing God’s voice in the Word saying “You are a great sinner but Jesus is a greater savior” is a day wasted. Don’t waste another day and end up wondering “What happened to us?”
In Christ
Pastor Ude