Be Resolved
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:6 and Revelation 2:8-11
Series: Comments on Galatians
An old Zen story says that a Zen master was meditating under the moon on a hilltop. While he meditated, he slowly became aware that a robber had stolen up the hillside and was taking the few belongings he had inside his shack. When the robber looked up, the Zen master was beside him, dismantling the shack. He helped the thief carry the wood down the hillside to his wagon. He then stripped off his robe, carefully folded it, and placed it next to the man. As he drove away, the Zen master thought, If only I could have given him the moon…
We may be robbed of all we have. In fact, we might even choose to give it away. That which remains is most precious and cannot be given away or taken — though, sadly, we may abandon it. That thing is not the moon or any other object. That thing is what sets us free from all our possessions and ties. That thing gives us peace when thieves steal up our hillsides. That thing is faith in what Jesus has accomplished for us.
We may have to endure great poverty and tribulation. Yet we remain rich and at peace. We may be slandered. Yet we are suffused with the righteousness of God. We may suffer and be thrown into prison yet remain faithful to the Name. Finally, we may be killed for this faith but God has given us the crown of life. What God has given, no one can steal. Hold fast to the Name. Be resolved to keep the faith.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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