Tuesday, November 1, 2022

          Near the end of Galatians, Paul wrote in a rather tongue-in-cheek way.  He wanted to call emphasis to the importance of the message that he was sending to the Galatian believers.  This message could not be dismissed or delayed.  These Christians were being besieged by false teaching that sounded so smooth and credible but was dangerous in both content and influence.  Paul wanted there to be no doubt that he was writing to the Galatians at the prompting of the Lord and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  So, we read his message, “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11).  Paul wrote in large letters.  Today, large letters can be used to express emphasis, urgency or even anger.  A text or email that comes in large caps could be the written equivalent of a verbal scream.
            But Paul wrote in large letters for emphasis—to call attention to some truths that were imperiled in some way.  He wrote to capture the attention of Christians who could easily fall prey to smooth, slick teachings that did not honor the Lord or advance the gospel message.  If the Lord sent you a message in large letters today, what would it be?  What would it say?  What wall does the Lord seek to break down in your life?  Have you ignored the Lord’s large letters in the past?  If so, it is not too late to pay attention now. 
            Occasionally, pride can get in the way of becoming what God wants us to be.  We can easily, stiffly and tightly hold on to old ways that seem right and comfortable to us.  It is always easier to remain in the same ways and the same place than to take a step of courage and faith and walk where the Lord could be leading.  Fear can get in the way too.  God often has to break through our fears and worries to deliver to us a message that has the ability to transform us into greater Christlikeness.
            God wrote in large letters at the cross and the empty tomb.  He wanted us to know that the work of salvation had been completed by His Son.  There was nothing left to do or to pursue.  The finished work of Christ deserved to be written in large letters.  Jesus’ death was real and so too was His resurrection.  There can be no mistaking that these events really did occur.  God wrote in large letters in the creation.  There is enough evidence of God in the creation for us to know that He is real and the maker of all that exists today.  Consider God’s handiwork in the heavens as His glory is written in large letters that span the course of the universe.
            Large letters.  Maybe there are some things that you would say or write to yourself using large letters.  Maybe there are some sins that need to be confessed.  Maybe there are some places from which you need to turn away.  Maybe there are some old ways of life that need to be dropped or left behind.  Maybe there is some anger that has been allowed to linger for too long.  Paul wrote in Galatians 5:7, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” Large letters were necessary to redeploy believers back into the race of faith.  These believers had lost their way or had been deceived into running the wrong race.  It was time to turn around and pursue a different pathway. 
           When truth is hanging in the balance, large letters are essential and necessary.  And when life and faith have gone off of the rails, large letters are important too.  You might want to ask a trusted friend to speak to you in and with large letters whenever necessary.  Someone could be a real brother or sister to you if they speak with large letters at crucial times.  Have a great Tuesday and remember to worship any time at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.