BUT NOW THAT faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Gal. 3:25–26). In the verse preceding we read, “So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith” (v. 24). The transition was from custodian to sons of God. In being sons of God, there was immediate contact with the Father—the go-betweens were no more. In Christ Jesus you are in immediate contact with God.
In the Reformation, what was the central discovery? It is often said: “The just shall live by faith.” That discovery, while good, was not good enough. The central discovery I believe was the immediate availability of Christ. He had been imprisoned in a system. You couldn’t get to Him except as you went through the priest, through the church, through Mary, to Jesus and to God. There were three custodians before you got to Jesus. The Reformation made Jesus immediately available to faith. That made Him available anywhere and everywhere, freed us from custodians.
The greatest Hindu philosopher of India was approached by a brilliant student who said, “I believe in your philosophy, I’m a student of your books. Make me your disciple. Be my Guru [Teacher, Master].” The philosopher replied, “I’m not worthy to be your Guru.” The student asked, “Then who is?” And the philosopher replied, “There is only one who is worthy—Jesus Christ.” “But I thought He was a dead Jew.” “No, His followers believe Him to be alive.” “Where can I get to Him?” “Get a New Testament. There you can find Him.” He did; he became a Christian and is now on fire, winning others. The immediate availability of Jesus to human need is the most precious fact in life. There are no custodians, no gurus, no go-betweens; He is immediately available! This opens infinite possibilities.
O Jesus, my Lord, I do not have to have Thee clouded by custodians or go-betweens. I can stand face-to-face with Thee. Thy utmost resources are open to my utmost need. Then no reason to be poor. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: Jesus, immediately available—any time, anywhere, in any condition—then there is no room for poverty, weakness, or loneliness.
