GET to's and HAVE to's

Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Galatians 3:18-19 For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise.
Gal. 3:19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.

Observation: I like Galatians. It’s a rather harsh book in some ways. But it also is full of promise.

Application: One of the questions that Lutherans often ask is: “is this really gospel?” In other words, is this really good news? Is it really a gift or is it something you earn? If it is the latter, it’s not good news. If it is the former, it’s very good news.

The moment you HAVE to do something it usually ceases to be good news. Every time you GET to do something, it can be very good news. So when someone tells you that you HAVE to do something that you GET to do, they are trying to turn a promise into a law. Still, the law has it’s place. If we refuse to do what we GET to do, sometimes it can be helpful for someone to tell us that we HAVE to do it. We won’t necessarily gain any advantage out of such compulsion, but if it’s a good deed, surely someone else will. Hence even bad news for one can turn into good news for another.

Prayer: Lord, help us to find and celebrate truly Good News wherever you provide it. And since we have not yet come to the fullness of your promise, allow the law to help nudge us along wherever and whenever such nudging is needed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Job 30, Psalm 120, and Galatians 3-4)