I’m sure all of you have heard the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. To refresh your memory: Hamelin was a small town in Germany with a rat problem. A mysterious stranger showed and guaranteed he could remove the rats…for a fee of course. When he did (all but one), the mayor refused to pay him. So one day while the adults were in church, he came and played his pipe and all the children but three followed him, never to be see again.
It is from that story we get our phrase “pay the piper.”
When we use that phrase we are basically saying a person will get what is coming to them. They will have to pay the consequences of their choices.
Galatians 6:6-16 leaves no stone unturned in its language: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; whatever a man sows that shall he also reap.” I’m not sure it can get much clearer than that. Tragically, we live our lives thinking we can make bad choices, bad decisions, bad actions, and get away with it. Not get caught. But it is not to be.
In this passage Paul talks about two laws which have consequences:
The Law of the Harvest (I’ll share more in my next post)
The Law of Legalism (Paul’s reason for writing the book)
This sermon is the official finish of my almost solid 9 month series on Galatians. I took a few side trails on special days (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day) but have spent the rest of the time unfolding this marvelous book. It is time to bring it to a close. I’d like to thank those who stuck with me through it all. The people at OVCF were marvelous. And I’d really like to thank many of you for your faithful prayers. I sensed them each week.
I have never been a part of a church where such a long period of time was spent on one book of the Bible. It is always your typical sermons scattershot with various scripture references to back up the minister’s points. This is not a criticism, just an observation.
Oh, and I will be praying for you in my morning devotionals.
Several advantages to what I did these past 9 months. No pet projects. No skipping “unfun” passages. I did the scattershot way too many years. And thanks for your prayers.
I like in-depth study like you did. Keep it up!
Thanks Kari. I liked it as well.
I was just talking to my husband about that phrase a few days ago. His mother had no idea where the term pay the piper came from… it’s funny how people use phrases without knowing their origin! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Very true Gingi. I think it is interesting to find out where phrases come from.
I forgot the ending to that story. My life would be a lot easier if I had a magic flute… and knew how to play it…
Praying for you and your, Bill.
If only I could play anything except my stereo. Aaaa cassette. Aaaah Cd player. Stuck there. Thanks for your prayers Floyd.
I honestly didnt know all that. I knew the expression, but not the story. I have a Larry Norman blues album where he sings, “You Better Watch what You’re Doing” and then Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”. I sing those songs when the results of my actions play out.
I love your sermon series
Those are two songs worth listening to. Thanks for your encouragement David.
Hi Bill! I am so impressed with how much you inspired and were inspired by Galatians. And it took nine months! Scripture is so rich, so deep…and always timely. I bet you’ll miss it as you move on?
You give yourself so completely to your church, I’m so happy that you feel all the prayers for you. They are there!
Blessings,
Ceil
I’m hoping I inspired Ceil. 🙂 I certainly enjoyed it! Thanks for the prayers as well.
Hey Bill haven’t been on the computer in a while. But as to your point about us not getting away with things I agree totally. One of my favorite scriptures on that topic is Psalms 5:21 these things you have done, & I kept silent you thought that I was altogether like you but I will rebuke you and set them in order before your eyes.
It is good to hear from you Mike. I keep reading your posts when you find the time to write. I know some schedules are not like mine. That verse is a good one.