Live Free: A Study of Galatians Chikamu

 Like most teenage girls, when Jenny was in high school she often stayed overnight at the home of a friend from school. Their house was situated on top of a hill, overlooking a fairly busy country road. When they hung out at the friend’s house, the girls would walk down the hill to a convenience store situated on the road that was owned and operated by her friend’s parents. As a child of the owner, Jenny’s friend was allowed to grab whatever snacks and drinks she wanted, without paying. She was family.

We have driven past this little store many times together. However, we never go in and just grab some snacks without paying. We aren’t members of the family, we don’t have that privilege. 

In the previous two days of our study, we discovered that we are spiritual heirs of Abraham. As heirs, we actually receive the promises God extended to Abraham. In today’s passage we discover how this is possible. In Galatians 4:5 we read that God sent His son Jesus, “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” As followers of Jesus, we are part of God’s family, with the full rights and privileges that come with being a child of God. The reading communicates this powerful truth using the contrasting perspectives of a slave and the son of a land owner. As God’s children we no longer have to live under oppression, we can choose to live free as a son or daughter of the most high God!

Reflect:

Do you live as a child of God with all the rights and privileges therein? Or do you live as though you are less than a member of God's family?

Respond:

Thank God today for making you a member of the family of God.