Verse: Galatians 4: 1-7
I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Devotion:
Let’s start with some context. Verse 1 speaks about a child, that is like a slave, because he is under guardianship until a date set by his father. In Roman tradition, there wasn’t a specific age that meant you’ve reached adulthood. Instead, it was up to the father to decide when he felt his son was ready. Only then would he have access to his inheritance and come out from under the rule of his father’s household.
Paul is making a comparison that we also were bound under the “elementary principles of the world.” This refers to a lot of things. Before Jesus, they were bound to the law. Bound to the culture, surrounded by corruption and sin. Bound to the cause and effect of the actions of individuals. The key word in this verse is enslaved- not free, bound, trapped.
… but Jesus. The next verses bring the hope of Jesus into the story, which changes everything. When God sent His Son Jesus, we are no longer enslaved, bound, trapped. We do not have to wait for someone to tell us we’re ready to become an heir. Through Jesus, we have access to adoption into His family. We have access to freedom, hope, joy, family, love.
Reflection:
So, friend, are we living as heirs, or are we living as enslaved children? What are we feeling bound and trapped by? Are there things we are feeling helpless about?
Jesus doesn’t promise it will be easy. But, He does promise to be with you until the ends of the Earth. Through relationship with Him, we become heirs. We become free. Free to struggle, hope, and rejoice knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Prayer:
God, help me to just sit and be still in the truth that I am adopted into your family. Give my heart a peace that can only come from You, knowing that I am your child. Remind my heart that I am never alone. You will be with me until the ends of the earth. Help me to live in the freedom I have access to as an heir of the Almighty King. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be part of your kingdom family. Amen
Author: Becca Artymenko
Recent Comments