Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Devotion - Tuesday, January 24

The next section in Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia wrestles with the appropriateness of his mission "to the Gentiles."  It is a significant development in the history of the Church when it was considered okay for Gentiles to become Christians without first becoming Jews.  This development surely figures into the understanding of Christianity as a religion which stands on its own, even though it emerged from Judaism.  

It was universally understood this way during the years of Paul's ministry.

I wonder if we have gone too far, in our times, with the separation.  Failing to remember the debate allows us (perhaps even causes us) to move into an us-them way of viewing Jewish brothers and sisters.

There is something unique and precious about the revelation of Jesus.  And, as I wrote yesterday, we are to pay attention to fine lines which distinguish differing theologies, but the other side of this is to remember all that we share.  There may be points which pull us into our corner, but the center of the ring is where the action occurs.

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