Galatians 1:11-12 - For I would have you know, brothers, that the Gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul here is talking about counterfeits, which can lead to misguided trust. Like when you feel you're on the right track, but then everything comes apart, leaving you to pick up the pieces from a mistaken confidence, knowing you have been duped by counterfeit counsel.
That's what life was like for Chuck Colson. You may remember that name. He was President Nixon's bulldog. If Nixon needed something done politically, Colson got the call. He'd do it no matter what the cost or collateral damage. That, you may remember, too, came crashing down on both of them in the Watergate debacle, and Colson went to jail because of it. Which for him was a good thing. It was there he met Jesus and his life changed forever. It was there he learned that though he was weak, in Christ he was strong. In faith he received the new life God has for him—this forever eternal life that arrived just in time.
As Colson was leaving prison, one inmate told him that they'd probably never see the likes of him in there again. Little did that inmate know he would be seeing much more of Colson in the days, months, and years to come. Colson had learned that God didn't abandon him when he was in his need and now, as a Christian, he couldn't leave behind the men whom society had all but forgotten.
You see, when in prison, for whatever reason, an inmate soon realizes their life to people in the outside world is of almost no value. Even if forgiven, they are soon forgotten. They are alone like they've never been alone before. Colson determined that no one in that prison would be forgotten if he could help it. So he returned—frequently—to share the Word of God, to pray, to encourage, to counsel anyone behind bars who would have him. He founded Prison Fellowship ministry. He was committed to go back and share what he'd received—that in Jesus Christ there is grace and hope and life—both now and for the future.
Though the world is awash in counterfeits and cheap imitations, Paul reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is God-given Good News. It alone gives life; it alone sustains in time of need; it alone offers salvation that anyone can receive by faith in Jesus—whether you're in the White House or the big house.
WE PRAY: Holy Spirit, lead us to truth. Lead us to Jesus. Amen.
From "Now Hear This!" a devotional message by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you encountered something that was counterfeit? What was it?
2. What is there about the Gospel that Paul preached that makes it authentic?
3. What can we do to make sure the Gospel we share is true and accurate?
Today's Bible Readings: Proverbs 19-21 Acts 3
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