Six Geese A-Laying: The Futility of Legalism

“I am telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or ‘the Secret.’” – Colossians 2:4 (MSG)

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

While the Bible doesn’t mention 'geese' specifically, Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Colossians 2:4 in The Message uses the phrase “wild-goose chase” to warn against being misled by false teachings. This phrase also serves as an apt description of what life under the Old Covenant could feel like — an endless, frustrating pursuit that ultimately couldn’t be fulfilled.

The image of a “wild-goose chase” brings to mind a futile pursuit, chasing after something constantly changing direction and impossible to catch. This is similar to the struggle under the Law, as the people tried tirelessly to meet its demands, only to find themselves falling short again and again. Even those who thought they were excelling, like the Pharisees, were missing the true heart of the Law. While they might have managed to keep the external commandments, Jesus showed them they were still failing internally. Outwardly they may have refrained from committing adultery or murder, but inwardly, their thoughts betrayed them. It was indeed a wild goose chase.

Jesus’ message to the Pharisees is a reminder to all of us: the Law alone cannot make us righteous or bring us closer to God. He said in Matthew 5:20 that unless our righteousness exceeded that of the Pharisees, we wouldn’t enter God’s kingdom. Considering how carefully they followed the Law, this statement reveals that the Law, by itself, is insufficient. Pursuing righteousness through the Law is an endless, exhausting chase that can’t lead us to the peace we seek with God.

But through Jesus, God ended this wild goose chase. Jesus fulfilled the Law, bringing us into a New Covenant grounded in grace rather than relentless striving. Now, we are invited to rest in the grace of Christ, no longer chasing an unreachable standard but receiving His righteousness as a gift.

Over to You:

• Are there areas in your life where you feel like you’re on a “wild-goose chase” with God?
• Maybe you’re striving to earn His favor or approval, or you’re trying to reach perfection on your own. Take heart — Jesus has already done the work.
• Let go of the chase, and embrace His gift of grace.

Further Scripture References:

• Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24; Hebrews 7:19

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for ending the wild-goose chase. I recognize that I cannot earn my way to You through my own efforts, and I thank You for the grace that came through Jesus. Help me to rest in His finished work and embrace the righteousness He freely gives. May I live each day in gratitude for this gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.