Friday 2 January 2026

Psalm 96:1-10

Background
Today we read part of Paul's letter to the Galatians. He was addressing their problems as well as giving general advice and encouragement. His letters were intended for specific people in the first century AD, rather than the world at large in the 21st century. So, when we read this letter written to the church or churches of Galatia (in modern central Turkey), it is important to realise that Paul was trying to explain the way of Jesus – a very different way of understanding God – in language they could understand.

How could these early Galatian Christians fully comprehend the idea of a heavenly God, who was willing to be incarnate by sending his son to earth, in order to save everyone, both Jews and non-Jews? What did that mean? For example, how to understand bad behaviour, intentional harm to others, or simple unpleasantness, as something that could be forgiven? What would it feel like to have burdens of guilt removed?

There's a point to make that's relevant to ourselves: as society becomes generally less familiar with church and the Christian faith, we might ask ourselves if the language that church-goers use about Christianity in 2026 is relevant to others.

Paul writes specifically to two main groups in the new Galatian churches: Jewish converts and slaves in the Roman Empire.

In verses 4 and 5, Paul tries to explain the enormity of what Jesus has done in setting people free. In this period, whether you were a Jew, with obligations to the faith, or a slave belonging to someone else, you were not free. People needed to be freed up (redeemed) by faith in what Jesus did. Paul breaks free from the old thinking and declares that everyone can receive adoption as God's children. Therefore, legalism has been replaced by a loving relationship with God who rejoices in being known as “Abba! Father.”(v. 6) Finally, this new relationship with God brought about by Jesus means that all those in the Church are heirs to the heavenly kingdom.

Try to imagine what that would sound like if you were a slave or a Jewish convert.

To Ponder:

• If you know the Prodigal Son story, how would you retell it to a modern audience explaining the mercy and ongoing grace of God’s relationship with us?
• The final verse of the suggested hymn today 'Cradled in a manger, meanly' (StF 197) hopes that everyone outside the Christian faith will hear and understand the joy and peace that Jesus brings. How do we make this a reality?

Prayer
We give thanks for selfless people who have given time and love over the Christmas period to serve those in need, or shelter the homeless. “Praise to God, the Christ has come!” Amen.

Bible notes author: Michael King
Michael is a Methodist local preacher in Salisbury and was Vice-President of the Conference in 2012/2013.