Preparing for the Lord's Day
The Sneetches were divided into two groups. There were those who had green stars on their belly and those who did not. Those with stars strutted about feeling superior to those who lacked stars. These yellow bird-like creatures were proud of their mark or ashamed of their lack. But when Sylvester McMonkey McBean arrived with his Star-on machine it seemed that the answer arrived. All those who lacked stars could receive one for $3. When everyone had a star on the original group the star on Sneetches was disappointed. How could they now display that they were superior? Sylvester McMonkey McBean had the answer. For $10 they could use his Star-off machine. And so all the star-on’s had their stars taken off and all the star-off’s had their stars put on. However, neither were satisfied with this arrangement. Back to McBean’s machines they went. Paying to have their stars put on and taken off until no one could tell who had originally been in which group.
Most likely you read about Dr. Seuss’s Sneetches growing up. You laughed at their childish desire to distinguish themselves from each other. You understood that McBean’s machines did not help but only left the Sneetches poorer. However, we still fall victim to the Sneetches’ folly. For we desire to be seen as distinguished. We desire to have a mark that shows the world that we are right and good. It is a universal desire to be found righteous. We want to be accepted by family, friends, and the community. This desire may be what drove the Galatians toward circumcision. The false teachers were offering a mark, a sign, of righteousness. It was an outward physical display that they were members of Abraham’s family. However, Paul argues that circumcision counts for nothing before God. That it is not outward marks that make a person right with God, but only faith in Jesus Christ. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Galatians 5:1-6, Romans 8:25, 1 Corinthians 7:17-20, Galatians 6:15, and the Sneetches.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord”, the Acclamation of Praise “Spirit of the Living God” and the Hymn of Response “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Galatians 5:2-6
Title: Waiting for Righteousness
Outline:
- Your Faith Must Refuse the Law (vv. 2-4)
- Your Faith Must Wait by the Spirit (v. 5)
- Your Faith Must Work through Love (v. 6)