Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. Galatians 6:16
We’re almost done with the book of Galatians, so now is a great time to remember that the only thing that matters is Jesus. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision, Catholic or protestant, Republican or Democrat, black or white, male or female, Star Wars or Star Trek matter. The only thing that matters is Jesus. May His peace and mercy bless everyone who follows this concept, especially His chosen people.
And, while we’re on that word (“chosen”), here’s another shameless plug for “The Chosen.” If you haven’t watched it, The Chosen is the streaming, crowd-funded TV show about the life of Jesus. The “chosen” people of the series are both those whom Jesus chose to invite into His closest circle as well as those who chose to follow Him (whether disciples or other followers at-large). You and me: we are the chosen. We chose to follow Jesus, who chose to send His Holy Spirit into our lives to remake us for the purposes in which He works through us.
Now consider this: there was a story on CNN yesterday (https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/28/americas/brazil-indigenous-man-in-the-hole-death-intl-hnk/index.html) about a Brazilian indigenous man who recently died. He was the last member of his tribe, and had been un-contacted by outside humans throughout his entire life. Known as “the man in the hole,” he was found dead in the jungle, apparently of natural causes. His entire life had been watched from afar, as the man stayed away from all efforts to communicate, meet outsiders, or receive direct outside help. Researchers had studied him for years, watching as his entire tribe was slowly killed off by outsiders or other causes
The name “Israel” means “one who struggles with God.” The Man in the Hole struggled with keeping the outside world at bay. Did he die without Jesus? Possibly, maybe even likely. Maybe, as one who lived totally within nature, he came to somehow know the God who made it all. Maybe, at some earlier point in his life, he heard from someone who had heard of how God chose to save all people through Himself through a man called Jesus. We don’t know; it isn’t likely, but perhaps it’s possible. Perhaps he was chosen like we were.
Please pray that God has mercy on this unknown man, who God made and called His “very good” creation. Pray that there was a way we don’t know about where He knew Jesus in his heart and was welcomed home to the One who knew him within and without. And while we’re at it, pray for those anywhere, not just in the jungles, who don’t know Jesus. And how you might be able to help. They’re all the man in the hole.
For further reading: Galatians 6:17
Lord, have mercy on the man not known by the outside world. I pray he’s with You now.
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