“This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar” (Galatians 4:24).
What Paul is talking about is the oft repeated story with some variation of repackaging living according to the law as a first order of things. We do this because in sin, we easily recognize this. However, Christ died once for all of our sins and there is a new life to which we are called. It is more difficult for us because it requires that we trust in the grace of Christ over our desire to fulfil the law.
Lord, it makes sense and yet I want to be in control. But is not that the problem? I want to be in control. Lead me, Lord, into the way of grace that I would not make laws my sole guide, but live according to Your grace and mercy. Guide me, Lord, in Your goodness that I may now and always abide in You as You abide in me and live by Your grace willingly and freely at all times.
Lord Jesus, You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life that You have established. Help me now and always to look to You, the author and finisher of my faith and not to myself and the law I would quickly adopt. Let me not wander in captivity, but live freely into the life You won on the cross for all who believe. Amen.
