READERS: Genesis 45-46, Psalm 108, Galatians 2
I suspect I don’t give enough consideration to the fact that all of us can be deceived and distracted as we try to follow God. Today’s New Testament reading reminds me that even leaders of the church can choose to go in the wrong direction – as Peter did when he chose to stop eating with the Gentiles. He feared those who taught that one must follow the Law to follow God, and he fell into their pattern when he turned from eating with Gentiles. In fact, Peter’s choice led to others, including Barnabas, following his lead.
Peter knew better, but he chose wrongly.
Barnabas knew better, but he, too, went in the wrong direction.
Peter and Barnabas were significant leaders in the early church, but peer pressure captured them. So bothered was Paul by Peter’s action that he “opposed him to his face because he stood condemned” (Gal 2:11). The apostle Paul grieved in frustration as his brothers were “deviating from the truth of the gospel” (Gal 2:14).
I’m reminded that I am naïve if I think I could never make such a choice. Every day . . . every hour . . . every minute . . . and every second, I must keep my attention riveted on God and His Word. It’s just too easy to get in trouble if I don’t.
PRAYER: “I’m grateful, God, that my salvation isn’t dependent on me. Keep my heart tuned to You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 47-48, Psalm 25, Galatians 3