They desired only that we should remember the poor

.... the very thing which I also was eager to do (Galatians 2:10).  A major theme of the Galatian's epistle has to do with a specific question that pertains to the continuity or not of Old Covenant commandments. The wider question is not simple to answer, but the scripture records, in the negative,  the question of do the gentiles need to be circumcised. Paul had earlier gone to the apostles James, Peter and John at  Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus (verses 1, 9). Titus who was Greek was the litmus test, and was not compelled to be circumcised (verse 3).  In terms of the wider question, there are two extremes that need to be avoided. One extreme contends that the Christian does not need to obey any Old Testament command, the other extreme says they all need to be obeyed.

That not every Old covenant command is to be obeyed by the Christian was settled in the circumcision dispute (Acts 15). But there are many other commands that no longer apply.  We no longer stone our rebellious sons for example (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).  On the other hand, those who teach the first extreme, citing “all things are lawful for me” (1 Corinthians 6:12),  tend to cast off all restraint. In doing so, they fail to notice that in the very same context,  Paul tells the Corinthians  “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God” (verse 9). I mean is it lawful to murder (Exodus 20:13)? Paul is appalled at the thought that we should continue in sin and in doing so abuse the grace and mercy of God (Romans 6:1, 2). And the New Testament is full of commands to holiness and righteousness. Obedience to these commands is not what gets us saved, rather obedience is the fruit of being saved (Galatians 5:22, 23; James 2:17).

This morning's verse brings up other issues that have divided the church. In particular,  do we preach the gospel, or do we feed the poor?  Jesus did both of course. The point I am making this morning, is that we as humans are so often out of balance. This morning's verse clearly tells us that Christians needs to be involved in social justice. But we always seem to go from one extreme to the other. In particular, often for political purposes,  some of those who we formerly oppressed and marginalized are being weaponized. This is done by  stirring up social justice warriors who in the end are not so much about justice, but knowingly or unknowingly,  turning whose who were formerly oppressed into those who oppress. And it's all  done through the vehicle of political correctness.   In the midst of all of this we are called to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16).

Lord Jesus, in the first part of the last quote You told the disciples “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” But You did send them, and You send us too.  We need Your wisdom Lord to know when to speak and when to be silent.  But we also need both Your boldness to speak, and Your wisdom about what to speak when it is time to do so. Thank You Lord that in the same context You told us not worry about how or what we should speak. For it will be given to us in that hour what we should speak (verse 19).   Keep us close to You Lord, so that we will be alert to Your promptings,  and we will give You the praise  and glory in Your lovely Name we pray Amen