Galatians 3:21-4:20; Lamentations 1-2; Psalm 145
We are God's children because Jesus set us free from the Law. We don't need rules to live our lives. I think Paul is talking about how Jesus lived according to the Law, never sinning, but he wasn't ruled by it. He lived by love. Maybe that is what Paul is talking about--as Jesus was God's son and lived according to love, he was free, not bound by the Law, so we too are free and live with love.He goes on to say that when we are baptized, it's like we put on Jesus like we put on new clothes. Everywhere we go, people see our clothes, we get judged by what we wear, we reveal our style and personality, often by what we put on in the morning. It should be the same with our "Jesus clothes." People should see Jesus wherever we go, just as obvious as a pair of neon shoes, so Jesus should be that obvious in our lives.
In these chapters of Lamentations, I think there are some important aspects of the human-God relationship. First, The prophet admits that God is right. And the reason for the pain and brokenness is because of the disobedience. It isn't because God is mean. It's because they (and ultimately humans in general) betray the good things God wants us to do. It goes on to say that God shattered his temple and eliminated the Sabbaths and festivals. Why would God want this stuff from disobedient, unfaithful, half-hearted people? God cares less about the fancy services and rituals and more about the hearts of the people. At the end of chapter 2 is this powerful pouring out of the heart. It says "don't ever lose hope...pour out your feelings to The Lord." God wants authentic relationship. Even if all we have to pour out to him are tears, frustrations, uncertainty--"as you would pour water out of a jug"--God wants all of our heart and feelings.
This psalm talks about God satisfying his believers at just the right time. I trust God to provide for my needs--needs, not wants--at the perfect time. Sometimes it's hard; I'm not always patient. But God knows. He's right. We can trust him.
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