To the churches in Galatia:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 1:2-5
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There is a short phrase that Paul uses in Galatians that caught my attention earlier this week.
Paul, introducing himself to the church in Galatia, says this, “Grace and peace to you from God… who rescued us from the present evil age.”
In his short description of being a Christian, he thanks God for “rescuing” us from the present evil age.
I wonder how often we see our relationship with God in such a way.
Most of the time, we think about how hard it is to separate ourselves from the world; how great the almost impossible differentiation God called us to… Or should I say, commanded us to.
We struggle daily to live apart from the evils of this world and not take part in it. Sometimes, we even rationalize away God’s clear call to righteousness in our individual lives.
Of course, we are quick to be thankful that God has saved us from the greatest negative outcomes of sin in our lives.
But partaking in the evils of this world? That is not something we desire to be rescued from… that is something we want to be part of.
The coarse joking, the entertainment, the lifestyle, the chasing of worldly pleasures. These are not things we desire to be rescued from… these are things we wish to take part in.
Paul, at least here, doesn’t speak of an obligation or duty in following God’s commands. He has taken God’s effect on us and turned it over completely.
He is thankful that God has “rescued” us from having to live as the world does.
We are no longer bound to find entertainment in places that mocks God. We are no longer bound to pursue pleasure and comfort in worldly pursuits. We are no longer bound to partake in lifestyles that the present evil age promotes.
We have been rescued from all of that by a God who gave himself for our sins. May we live as such.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your son who took on flesh and became obedient, even to death on the cross. I know that only through His life, death, and resurrection, forgiveness and salvation were made possible. Help me always to count it a blessing that I have been rescued from this present evil age—and help me walk in that truth. Amen.