Memorial Day & Galatians

May 28, 2012 Memorial Day Monday Message:

As the Christian church started, the region known as Galatia hosted at least four distinct ethnic groups:

1. The indigenous Turks

2. Romans, still there after their conquering efforts

3. Jews, the merchants and bankers who facilitated the economy, and

4. The Gauls, middle-European transplants who stayed behind after their attempts to rule the region. Because of the number of Gauls and their colossal influence on the culture, we know the region as “Galatia.”

These four groups were quite distinct, bringing different customs, histories and traditions to the table. They didn’t always get along well; they didn’t agree on much. So it’s no surprise that when Paul planted start-up churches in the region and then moved on, the churches quickly fell into conflict and disagreement. Paul’s epistles to the Galatians represent his efforts to get them back on track.

Today, the US is a lot like Galatia – we’re all from different countries or different regions. We all want to hold on to our personal customs, histories and traditions. It’s no wonder that we don’t always play well with others. Recently it’s gotten worse instead of better. The left has moved farther to the left, while the right has moved farther to the right. We observe stalemates on needed legislation and witness government shutdowns precluding any progress. The taxation necessary to service our national debt crisis could take our country down – a country that was, ironically, founded by citizens protesting excessive taxation. Duh! How short is our memory?

Paul’s advice to the Galatians would be good advice for the US – Get back to the one true Gospel. And if anyone preaches a different message, let him be cursed. We know that things go better the closer we are to the Father. (See Galatians 1:7-9)

Those who gave their lives for our great country wanted to preserve our freedom to worship. As we honor these warriors today, let’s apply action to the principles for which they fought. Pray that the US would get back on track – and pray for revival in our nation.

Norton Lawellin

On July 29, Jesus in the City Sunday worship will move to the Oliver Ministry Center, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue. Prayers covering this transition and move would be appreciated.