o foolish galatians! who has bewitched you? it was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. [galatians 3:1]

 

not just preached, but publicly portrayed. the galatians had apparently seen vivid demonstration of the Savior who died on their behalf. suffering to spare their life, to bring them to God. to bring us to God.

 

we have also been given this vivid picture of the gospel. and yet we are so easily bewitched by our own desires. our fleshly desires. things that promise fulfillment, and pull our attention away from our Savior whose thoughts were fixed on the joy of his bride as he bled and died for her, paying in full the penalty for our sinful flesh. what things in your life are bewitching you? what do you chase after for fulfillment? here is a list of things that often trick us into thinking we will be satisfied, be made right, have purpose. are any of these a struggle for you?

  • a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend 
  • a degree, good grades, or knowledge in general
  • better job or higher salary
  • more self control over your time
  • obedient children
  • fitting in at church, work, class, on a team, or with friends
  • retirement
  • more achievements
  • more travel
  • more recognition within the church
  • bible literacy
  • beauty, fitness, or health
  • affirmation through social media

 

as we always say, not all of these things are inherently bad or sinful in themselves. but if we look to them for satisfaction or fulfillment, we will be disappointed every time.

the beauty of the gospel is the all satisfying glory of the presence of God brought to man through the victory of Jesus Christ his Son, having beaten our sin, our guilt, our deserved death. he covers us with his blood, removing from us the wrath of the Father so that all that’s left is his unfailing love. what good news! nothing else will satisfy!

though you have not seen him, you love him. though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, [1 peter 1:8]

 

today, in the presence of your loving Father who longs for you to be near him, full of joy, thank him for the beautiful plan of redemption. praise him for his glory and thank him for his presence. confess the bewitchment of your flesh, and lay your desires at his feet. he wants you to be happy. he wants you to be happy in him!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. no one comes to the Father except through me. [john 14:6]

 

~ arwen eastman