Galatians 4:28

"Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise" (Galatians 4:28 RSV).

Comment:

This is one sentence from Paul's use of the story of Hagar and Sarah as a metaphor for the difference between relying on the law to define our relationship with God and having faith in our direct covenant with the Divine. The question of whether followers of Jesus Christ had to first become Jews, subject to all Jewish laws, was dividing the early Christian movement. Paul was clear that in the example and ministry of Jesus the law was fulfilled; we are called back to the direct relationship made manifest in the story of Abraham. Hagar, a slave, bore Abraham a son (Ishmael) according to the law, which allowed for an Israelite male to impregnate a slave if his wife were barren. But Sarah, his wife, bore Isaac as a result of Abraham's faith in his own spiritual guidance. Ishmael was older than Isaac and, according to the law, could have claimed the greater part of his estate. But divine guidance said Isaac was to inherit, and therefore, the personal covenant was affirmed as superior to legal obedience. According to Paul, the same was true in his time. Accepting the Christ represents a personal expression of faith that supersedes the demands of the law.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed