Why Does Paul Say Jesus Was Revealed “In” Him?

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

Galatians 1:15-16 (NIV)

In this passage, Paul says Jesus was revealed “in” him rather than “to” him. Although we often describe ourselves as being “in Christ,” meaning we’re part of the body of Christ, I found it curious that Paul describes God’s revelation of Jesus this way.

When I compared translations, my curiosity grew because some, like the English Standard Version (ESV), say “to me” instead. Still, the majority favor the “in me” (Greek: en emoi) rendering. There is a difference, so I’m wondering which one is correct.

What Are You Wearing?

I have a closet full of clothes I don’t wear because the weight I gained during COVID refuses to come off. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do; it’s like my fat cells have accepted Jesus and refuse to die.

Ironically, I lived most of my life without being able to gain weight. As long as I took care of my clothes, I could wear them for years. I still have a pair of Sebago Docksides I bought with my first paycheck in 1985. They sit next to the biker boots I bought in 1987. The same boots I’ve worn in my travels through Canada and Europe. Of course, I’ve had the soles replaced a few times, but they still look good, and they still fit.

And when ’80s and ’90s fashion trends returned, I just opened up my closet and was good to go. But unfortunately, gaining and retaining weight means those clothes sit there, mocking me. The most painful loss is a custom-made suit from 1957 that I picked up in a thrift store in Santa Barbara. I have always been amazed that some guy in 1957 and I had the same broad shoulders but a slim build.

How I miss wearing that suit!

The odds are you also have a closet full of clothing. Hopefully, you can wear it. But did you know that, for thousands of years, clothing was a luxury item?

Brimming

with promise,
the hopes
of if…

When Birth Pains Look Like Death Throes

When I read this verse today, I realized how a difference in perspective can change things:

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:8 (NIV)

When earthquakes, wars, famines, and other disasters occur, we often lament the death and destruction. Our first response should absolutely be compassion. People are suffering, families are grieving, and we are called to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). But how often do we consider what these events point to?