Will you stop and read this scripture from Galatians out loud with me?
”I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” –Galatians 1:6–8 (NIV)
When I read it out loud, it came to life for me rather than just words on a page. (A bit fiery!) I sat and asked Jesus, what do you want to say? His reply: Precious.
Paul regarded the gospel as precious. He’s protecting it and is jealous for it. He even goes to the length to curse those who come against it.
Precious things not only carry great value, but often have significant impact—particularly, if we lose them. The good news of Jesus Christ carries a supernatural value and impact. To counterfeit it would be a grave error indeed. Doesn’t it make sense why Paul would say such harsh words?
For me, my daughter and husband are most precious to me in this world. If someone were creating a smear campaign against them, I would want the truth to prevail and I would defend them!
But also, when I think about the word precious, I imagine something beautiful. Like the peachy golden color of my daughter’s baby curls or a piece of jewelry given to me by someone important in my life.
Will you go on a short journey with me? First, take a deep breath, now feel free to find the right pace for the following questions:
What images come to mind if you think about something or someone precious?
What are you feeling?
Are these feelings similar to the ones you get when you think about the good news of Jesus Christ?
If yes, why? If no, why?
Jesus, meet us in this place. We want your gospel to be so, so precious to us. Help us to value it above all else and to truly find it beautiful. May we feel a fire for it too. Thank you for your precious gifts in our lives. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kayla Murdoch is currently working with the communications team for Novo. She came to Novo in 2016 to co-lead the Pathways Serbia team with her husband, Seth. Last year, they transitioned back to Arkansas for Seth to begin a graduate counseling program. They have a 1-year-old daughter, Eva.