SCRIPTURE: Galatians 1:11-24
OBSERVATION:
Paul explains his anger about how the message of Jesus is being perverted. It is not his own message, or the message of the other apostles, it is Jesus message, revealed to him directly by Jesus. This is a very bold claim! He mentions the other disciples (Peter, James and the churches of Judea) to show that even though he received the message directly from Jesus, these also supported and confirmed that his message was the same, that it was legitimate. Since there are people misleading the Galatians, Paul needs to demonstrate that what he is teaching is the real thing, the message that should be followed.
APPLICATION:
I cannot claim the same authority for my message – direct revelation from Jesus Himself. But Jesus has confirmed the message that has been passed through the centuries to my heart, both in my own personal experience (my need for grace) and by the testimony of others. Through the written testimonies recorded in the Bible, the message of Jesus has continued through the ages, with many twists and perversions, but the simple message has been preserved. But let me take this warning seriously, that I not pervert the message (even with good intentions) but daily seek to establish myself in the Lord and in His grace.
PRAYER:
Lord, I lay my heart before You once again, and ask You to reveal to me any way that I am distorting Your message of grace. Help me to be passionate about You, like Paul, and to daily renew myself in You. Amen.