Living in this area we have easy access to some amazing things. From theatrical shows and big-name concerts to professional athletics, there is no shortage of opportunities to be part of something significant. And I’m the queen of getting all excited about an event, going to the website, and beginning the hunt of selecting a seat. You know how it goes… every seat in the house is not priced the same. And wouldn’t you know it, the ‘best’ seats are far outside the reach of my entertainment budget and so I choose the nosebleed seats—Hey, at least I’m ‘in’! In Christ, we are all ‘in’ and there are no ‘best’ seats. It’s level at the foot of the cross. That’s what is emphasized here in Galatians 3. We are all heirs according to who we are in Christ…as this is the only distinction that matters eternally.
This letter was written as a reminder that those who were coming to accept the Good News of Jesus did not have to become Jews before they could become His followers… there are no extra steps, just the step of humility.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a place that is highly visited because it marks the recognized site as the birthplace of Jesus. To enter the church, one must stoop very low at the doorway. It’s called the “Door of Humility” as it is a bodily reminder to bow down in reverence. This bowing down of our human will to conform to the will of God available because of Jesus is what levels everything for “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The significant opportunity of being called child by a Holy God is something entered only through humility. Heaven will be filled with “every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9), but earthly distinctions are there equally—Just as they were created and in His image. It’s all too easy to put people into categories (or even to put ourselves there) based upon the physical realities of this world, but that is not how God sees (1 Samuel 16:9) and the Holy Spirit gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7). There are not “best” seats”
Take a few minutes and allow God to examine your heart and repent. That word in the Bible means to change one’s mind, heart, and actions. This humble act is transformational.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2).
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director