Jenna Lindley
Galatians 1:11-24;  NRSV

11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. 14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; 19 but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. 20 In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, 22 and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; 23 they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Reflection:  

What does it mean to be called by God?

 I haven’t been lucky enough to hear a voice from a burning bush or see a vision of the angel Gabriel. And while there hasn’t been any dramatic spectacle or display, I feel God’s presence and will in my life daily. God appears to me in nature when I am in awe of an amazing sunset. God is in the silence when I am trying to sleep and am seeking comfort. But most often, I see God in people. Through the words and actions of others, I can see God’s love and benevolence, wisdom, and strength. 

The scripture verse comes from a letter Paul wrote to the Galatians in which he states he has been called by God to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Through Paul’s teachings, the Galatians began knowing and rejoicing in Jesus. Because of Paul, God was praised.

If God works through others, that must mean God works through me as well. We cannot begin to understand the extent and impact our words and actions have on others. The ripple effect acts as God’s helping hand reaching out to God’s children. We just must be willing to act as a vessel for God’s work. It is all too easy for me to get caught up in myself, in my own needs and wants, and I can forget to pay attention to God’s will. Someone explained to me that God’s will is two fold: God’s will for us, and God’s will of us. God’s will for us is to be happy, joyous, and free. God’s will of us is to live like Jesus  — to be slow to judge, quick to help, and fast to accept and love others for who they are, not who we want them to be. 

The phone is ringing. God is calling. Today, I plan to pick up and answer. Are you?

Dear God, 

Thank you for being so present with me each day, wherever I go. In this moment reveal your will to me that I may grow in my faith and serve others. Amen.