Thought for the Day - Friday 10 July

Thought for the Day – Friday 10^th July

‘See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!’ (Galatians 6: 11)

ANOTHER FRIDAY!

ANOTHER ODD VERSE IN SCRIPTURE!

Paul in Galatians 6 has compelled the Galatians to bear each other’s burdens, to always do the right thing, not to be deceived by others, to keep sowing the good news as the Spirit bids and to work for the good of all – all great encouragement - then in he comes with these words ‘See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!’

Why on earth does Paul have to tell them he is making such large letters?

He then goes on to finish his letter to them with a tirade on those who are circumcised and those who wish to be circumcised – obviously something which had become an issue among the Galatians and which Paul needs to clarify for this new church now following Jesus. He goes on to explain that they should be concentrating more on the cross of Christ and what he did for them and sharing that news rather than worrying and bickering among themselves as to whether they need to be circumcised or not because either way it doesn’t matter because they are now this ‘new creation’ in Jesus and that is all that matters. Of course, as he ends his letter he also blesses them and encourages to keep following the rules!

So where do these large letters come in and why even mention them?

Well, I don’t know about you but sometimes I write in capital letters in a letter, note or even sermon, because I want to emphasise a point, or make sure I remember that particular point or indeed make sure I remember to stress those words as I preach.

It kind of draws your eye to them if they are large – so is that what Paul is doing – making sure the Galatians see how important this last bit of his letter is?

Maybe the letter was being scribed by someone else and so Paul would be dictating it to that scribe who would then write down his words. Then Paul decides to take over and write the last bit himself – maybe the scribe was being too slow – maybe Paul was having to repeat his words to the scribe too many times and grew weary – who knows?

Perhaps it could even be that when he began to write the letter himself his eyes were not so good and so he had to write in large letters in order to see what he was writing!

But, why tell them – surely they would have noticed when they read it that the letters were much bigger!

Obviously we will never know why Paul wrote these words into his letter – from the words which follow we can imagine it was probably to stress to his point but who knows!

Well it is Friday – maybe you can come up with your own theory!

Prayer

Loving Lord,

In the living of our days, may we too not grow weary of doing what is right, may we always look to you and commit to speaking up for the voiceless, healing the broken, feeding the hungry and sharing your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Friday Fun Time:

Here are your questions and challenges for today!

1. What are you missing MOST during ‘Lockdown’?

2. Name five places you are DESPERATE to return to when you can.

3. Name you five favourite sweets (or FRUITS if you are on a health kick!)

4. Name your five favourite songs AND sing them!

5. Anything you would want to write in large letters today?