Paul had originally stopped in Galatia because he was ill. Though this may have been interpreted by them as demonic and cause the Galatians to reject Paul, they nevertheless accepted and cared for him. This was how they came to faith. But now, Paul laments here, they are rejecting him! Why? This very personal appeal shows us the heart of the great apostle. Those who had come to faith through his ministry were like spiritual children to him. That they should now turn away from the faith he delivered to them grieved him deeply. And this was to follow uncaring false teachers who only wanted their allegiance. We don’t know what became of the Galatian church. The fact that it isn’t mentioned in Acts (apart from Acts 16:6) may indicate the worst. There is no mention of a church in that area until the fourth century AD. If you are going to lead and disciple people, you’d better get ready for some grief. For there will always be those who fall away. Think about how many people turned away from Jesus during his ministry. Think too about how hard our enemy the devil will work to snatch those back who have been snatched out of his hands. When this happens don’t get angry at people or discouraged in your mission. But do let yourself feel the grief, because that is to share in the grief of God over those who fall away. Be sure of this, however, God will always give you something and someone to be encouraged by.
Can you recognise this having happened in your own life?
Read Galatians 4:8-20
