What are You Talking About, Paul?

Do you ever read a portion of Scripture and think to yourself, "I have no clue what that means!" Well, that was my reaction when reading Galatians 2:17-21. On day one of reading Galatians 2 and not understanding this passage, I wrote this note in my journal, "don't understand this section at all!"

Included in this section is that well-known verse that I memorized when I was a kid, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) Even though this verse is very familiar, it is in a paragraph that makes no sense to me.

On day two, I used some online Biblical commentaries and read what different Bible scholars thought about this passage. Not surprisingly, they don't all agree on the meaning of this passage. So, I sat and reflected on their thoughts as well as other Scriptures passages. I wrote down some thoughts and ideas and thought some more on the passage.

I found myself thinking of the passage throughout the day and mentally cross referencing it against other passages of Scripture.

On day three, I reread the passage and reread my notes and thought, "What were you thinking, Brenda?" And, so I sat and mediated on the passage some more. More ideas took shape.

Am I confident that my "interpretation" was accurate? Not a chance! Do I think that this mental exercise is worthwhile? Definitely! As a result of struggling to understand this passage accurately, I've read and examined more passages of Scripture -- I've been exposed to more truth! How is this not a good thing??

As I once again sit and reflect, my mind thinks of John 16:13 in which Jesus said that it is the Holy Spirit's job to "guide you into all truth." And, then I thought of James 1:5 that says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." And so, I ask God to help me with the understanding of this passage and trust Him, through the Holy Spirit, to meet this need of mine.

Thanks for reading. I'm switching gears for my next blog: Wedding Coordinator Strikes Again!