While reading Galatians today, something Paul wrote to them stood out to me.

And even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? (emphasis added)

Galatians 4:14-16 (NIV)

I found a sad irony in Paul comparing his welcome by the Galatians as if he were “Christ Jesus himself,” considering what happened to Jesus. Furthermore, Paul’s question about becoming their enemy reminds me of something Jesus said to a crowd of people in John.

As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.

John 8:40 (NIV)

While the Galatians weren’t looking to kill Paul, there is something we can learn from Paul and his situation. 

First, this is Paul, the writer of two-thirds of the New Testament we’re talking about, and even he was baffled by the Galatians’ behavior. What does he tell them?

How I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Galatians 4:20 (NIV)

Even though Paul was Paul, he seemed surprised at the Galatian’s apparent change in attitude towards him even though Paul knew what happened to Jesus. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a Sunday to shouts of, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9 NIV) and five days later, was sent to Calvary by shouts of “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22 NIV). 

Psalm 146 gives us this intelligence.

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.

Psalm 146:3 (NIV)

I know Paul’s concern about the Galatians centered not on their perspective of him but on their salvation. Still, we can learn, if we didn’t know, that people are fickle and their attitudes can change like the wind. 

So whatever your position, be it as a pastor or someone else leading people to Christ, don’t give up because yesterday, the people seemed like they were right behind you, but today they’re all but gone. God has your back, and it’s going to work out. 

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