The Short Arm of the Law

 

The Short Arm of the Law

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:16 and John 1:29–30

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

The law can be relentless. Nearly fifty years ago, during the era of the Vietnam War, I was detained nine times during the course of one summer for been Absent Without Leave (AWOL). It was because of my hair style. At the beginning of the summer, I had my hair cut extremely short in a style called a buzz cut. I was almost bald at a time when nearly every other male my age sported very long hair. I looked like I was in the military while living in a city far from any military base.

Each time I was stopped by an officer, I pleaded my case to deaf ears; I was guilty because I looked guilty. My record was checked each of the times I was stopped by an officer. Each time my record showed that I was registered for the draft but not drafted into military service. Yet, as mentioned, the law can be dogged. When being AWOL was no longer an excuse for hauling me in, another reason was sought to take me downtown. The easiest pretext would have been vagrancy. I was let go free because I had money in my pocket, a job, and a place of residence. I was a citizen in good standing and had to be permitted to go free. 

Jesus is not like this at all. Each time he sees me, he does not suspect that I must be guilty of some crime even though I am quite certain I must look guilty of something. In fact, I am guilty of many things I have thought, failed to think, said, left unsaid, done, and left undone. But Jesus has removed by offense. For the record, when he looks at me he recognizes me, shorn or not, as a citizen in good standing in the kingdom of the Lamb, where the short arm of the law cannot reach.

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