Galatians 4:12-20 Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. ¹³You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; ¹⁴though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵What has become of the good will you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ¹⁷They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. ¹⁸It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. ¹⁹My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, ²⁰I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Sometimes we are left to wonder about the many brief notes in the Bible. This one is most puzzling. What was Paul's problem? It is quite clear that it involved some disease. Since Paul says that the people would have plucked their eyes out for him, many think that he had some eye disease.

Paul reminds the Galatians of their previous love for him. They now seem to reject his teaching about salvation in Christ by grace. They are going back to rules for living, which look better but end up turning the heart inward. He reminds them of their respect for the great good news of eternal life, brought initially while suffering a physical malady.

We have problems too. They may be physical, emotional, financial, familial. We might think that they are enough to keep us from acting. But as Christ Jesus worked in Paul, making this contact with people in Turkey, so he works through us, even when we are not at our best. Henri Nouwen titled a book "The Wounded Healer." We all fit that bill.

Each one of us has limitations and struggles. But we too can share Christ's love. A lady told me not long ago that life is filled with pain and anguish. But I could remind her that in Christ we also have hope in eternal life and such things need not stop our witness. I too go through the anguish of seeking Christ to be formed in you, whatever your circumstances, that his gospel may settle and strengthen you and be shared with others.

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp