Freedom — From The Law – Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Galatians 2:20-21
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. (ESV)
Thanksgiving Day at 3pm is a tough time. Food has settled, you’re feeling a little uncomfy (unless you wore your stretchy pants), and everyone is slowly beginning to nod off. I’m not sure why, but around this time during Thanksgiving of 2024, my cousin turned to my grandpa and asked him if he had a favorite Bible verse. He thought for a couple of seconds, and then recited Galatians 2:20. I can’t remember all of the conversation, but what I do remember is him talking about this simple yet profound reality: Jesus, the Son of God, loved him enough to die for him.
Oftentimes, those of us (myself included) who have a bent towards the strength of the truth tend to minimize the grace that Jesus offers. I am much quicker to debate a theological point than I am to forgive and extend grace. But the reality is that all of the knowledge in the world doesn’t matter if we do not allow the grace of the gospel to penetrate our hearts.
When my grandpa suddenly passed away two months later in January of 2025, I inherited one of his old Bibles. Now my grandpa didn’t go to Bible college, he didn’t know Greek or Hebrew, and he definitely didn’t know big words like propitiation. But he did know that once he was separated from a holy God, and that Jesus in His great love came down and died in his place so that he might receive grace. He used to say every Easter, “I just can’t believe that Jesus did all of that for me.” He never lost the awe and wonder of the grace of Jesus. We cannot ever forget the words “amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”
If you’re like me and you struggle with flexibility, like Scott talked about Sunday, you need to serve God’s people. We grow in grace and kindness when we take the time to put others before ourselves. If you’re reading this, chances are that someone did this for you. Someone took the time, energy, and effort to introduce you to the grace of Jesus. Now it’s your turn.
APPLICATION
We have more than enough opportunities for you to join us on Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost. Find a place to serve at southland.church/volunteer.
PRAYER
Lord, reveal if there are any areas in my life where I need to rearrange my priorities to spend more time with Your people. When I’m tempted to make excuses, help me to be flexible and obedient to Your call. Give me the strength and courage to sacrifice my time and energy so that other people can be introduced to the grace that You have so generously given to me.