Peter Misselbrook's Blog
Mar 13 2020 - Galatians 3:1-20 – God’s promise to Abraham

God promised Abraham that all nations on earth would be blessed through him. This promise, says Paul, was made to Abraham and his seed (Galatians 3:16). Paul argues that the promise was made to Abraham’s “seed”, singular, not “seeds”, plural. It therefore points to one particular descendant of Abraham; the promise finds its fulfilment in Christ (3:19).

On first reading, Paul’s argument here may seem a little contrived. Does he not know that “seed” is a collective noun – the singular being used for a large quantity of seed? The answer is, Yes, Paul knows this quite well for he concludes his argument in verse 29 by saying, “If you belong to Christ, then you [plural] are Abraham’s seed [singular], and heirs according to the promise.”

Paul’s point is not that the promise belongs only to one person, but that it belongs only to one people and that this one people are defined in and by Christ. Jesus the Christ is the descendant of Abraham through whom God has determined to bless all the peoples of the world. He has become the source of all the blessings of God. By his death he endured the “curse” of God in our place (3:13); by his resurrection from the dead he has become the source of eternal life. This life is given by the Spirit of God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. To possess Christ is to possess all things; to be without Christ is to have nothing.

God’s promise to Abraham of blessing for all the peoples of the world has found its fulfilment in the preaching of the gospel and the outpouring of the Spirit upon people of every nation and language (3:14). Through the work of Christ and the gift of the Spirit, the many are becoming the one people of God.

So Paul reminds the Galatians that their Christian life began when they came to trust in Jesus Christ and received life from him through the Spirit. If they began their Christian life through the Spirit, why are they now trying to make progress in the Christian life through fleshly means (3:3) – by submitting to the law? As Paul discovered in his own experience, our lives become pleasing and acceptable to God not by binding ourselves up ever more tightly in all manner of restrictions and regulations, marks of our separation from others, but as Christ lives in and through us by his Spirit. He not only gives life, he gives freedom.

Paul’s words, written to the Galatian Christians long ago, speak equally to us today. We also need to go on living the Christian life through faith in Christ and by the enabling of the Spirit. This is the blessing of life that God has given us in Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham. Let’s enjoy the blessing.

But Paul also reminds us that this promise of blessing is for all the peoples of the earth. Jesus is the Saviour of the world; there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. This is the vision that energised Paul’s mission. It is this same vision that must energise Christian mission today. We too must be unashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for the salvation of people from every nation, race and background. Jesus’ prayer is that they might be one.

Living God, we stand amazed at the wonders of your grace and the largeness of your saving purposes. You will not be satisfied until every knee bows to Jesus and every tongue confesses that he is Lord. You have promised him the nations as his inheritance. You have embraced the world in your love. Lord Jesus, it is your prayer that they may be one. Fill us with your Spirit and unite us in vision and purpose that we may proclaim the good news of sins forgiven and abundant blessing for all who turn to you.

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Mar 13 2019 - Numbers 9:15-23; 10:11-17 – The cloud and the Tabernacle

You will remember how the Israelites were led out of Egypt by a pillar of cloud and of fire. This symbolised the Lord's presence; he was the one who was leading his people. In Exodus 13:21-22 we read, "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."

Moses had first encountered the Lord at the "burning bush", a bush that was aflame with fire but was not consumed. All Israel were then being led towards an encounter with the Living God at Sinai, a mountain that flamed with fire and was covered in smoke. Fire and smoke speak of God's burning purity and yet also of the mystery of his being which cannot be seen or easily perceived (see, for instance, 1 Timothy 6:16).

So the Lord graciously provided his people with this symbol of his presence; he is with them to lead them and protect them. Remember how the pillar of fire and of cloud stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians at the Red Sea, providing light for God's people while obscuring them from their enemies. David later exclaims:

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

The tabernacle was a second symbol of God's presence – his tent among the tents of his people. So, when they were settled and their tents were set up, the pillar of fire and of smoke was seen covering the tabernacle – like the flag that indicates a monarch is at home. When the people were to move, the fire and the smoke lifted from the tabernacle and they all packed up their tents and moved off, following the Lord who was leading them.

Today's reading records Israel's departure from Sinai and the first steps of their journey towards the Promised Land. James Philip helpfully comments:

When one thinks of the fractious nature of the Israelites, their murmurings and backslidings, their turning aside and falling away from God, it becomes an even greater marvel to realise that throughout it all, his presence was unchangeably with them. He had to rebuke them and chastise them. Many times he was angry with them, but he never left them. What can speak more forcefully than this of a God whose grace is greater than our sin? This is the assurance that the invitation to pilgrimage brings with it, and it comprehends every other consideration, every other possible blessing. If God is for us, says the apostle – and, we may add, with us – who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Jesus is the one in whom God has come to be with us – to tabernacle among us (John 1:14). We have seen God's glory in him. He has promised to be with us to the very end of our journey (Matthew 28:20). He leads us on and calls us to follow him. We are not left to walk alone. He knows the way through the wilderness and he will lead us every step of the way. His way may sometimes seem not to be the quickest or the easiest but it is the best and the safest. "How can we know the way?" Thomas asked Jesus. "I am the way", the Saviour replied. He calls us to follow him.

Lord Jesus, we thank you that you do not call us to tread a path which you have not trodden before us. Help us by your Spirit to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on you, the pioneer and goal of our faith. Help us, Lord, to point others to you, for you are the way, the truth and the life. You alone are the one who can lead us to your Father's house.

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Peter Misselbrook