Galatians 3:23-29 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 3:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Verse 24Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. Verse 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, Verse 26for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Verse 27As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Verse 28There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Verse 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Devotion
On one of my visits to Tanzania, I was taken to the city of Bagamoyo. It was the last place that native Africans were held before they were herded onto slave ships and sent to Europe and the mid-East. The name “Bagamoyo” is Kiswahili for “lay down your heart,” or in more common language, “give up all hope.” The Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians that before faith (Jesus) came into their lives they inhabited Bagamoyo, captives with little hope. Now their chains have been removed, and they are no longer held by the law. Regardless of their gender, position in life, or nationality, they are now free in Christ—as are we also. We are not only unshackled but united with all others who claim the promise given through Jesus the Christ.
Prayer
Freeing God, may your Holy Spirit help us remember that the law no longer holds us from loving you and our neighbor. We have been set free to worship and love. Amen.
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