But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. — Galatians 6:14-18
While the Judaites hope that they can boast of convincing Galatia to return to the law, Paul has a different agenda. Paul says, “may i never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” What do we boast of? Where is our security if not in the Lord?
Paul has considered all else dead to him except Jesus. Paul goes on to say, circumcision counts for nothing. Only becoming a new creation matters. Paul blesses all who adopt the principal of being made new in Christ with peace and mercy. Do we count it a blessing being made new? Do you try to hide it in certain circles? What part of your old life are you holding onto, refusing to surrender it, so that you can fully be made new? Do we boast in the Lord and being made new in Him? Are we known as followers of His way, or are we a bitter compromise of the Lord Jesus Christ and our old life? In truth, He is Lord of all or hardly Lord at all.
Move forward men, because we certainly have plenty to boast in. Who else can boast of a relationship with One who is undefeated by death? Where else shall we go to boast in an advocate who can create the unimaginable out of nothing with just His voice? What else has offered the hope that the Lord freely delivers? I boast in the Lord, His security, His life, His mercy, His love for me in spite of me. I am made new! Are you? Stand and be counted as such and don’t allow anyone to dissuade you.
Vance Durrance
