Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 19:11-27 / Romans 12:9-21
Old Testament -
Psalms 67 / Deuteronomy 18-21
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Deuteronomy 21:22-23
22 If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, 23 you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. You must not desecrate the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Insight:
The Apostle Paul unexpectedly quotes and appropriates these verses in his letter to the Galatians (3:10-14) when he says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."
Jesus' death on the cross was perceived as a curse, but in reality it was the source of great blessing. It was the way God would fulfill his covenant promise to Abraham. It was the way God subverted our lost condition and made a way for us to receive life.
By suffering death and dignity at the hands of sinful humanity, Jesus fully embraced the tragic human condition, for every person has suffered the consequences of the sins committed by others. But Jesus, unlike every other human who has ever lived, was without sin. He committed no sin! None of the brokenness and death in the world can be traced to him.
Jesus is the only human who suffered sin, and yet lived without sin. That is why he is the only one who is able to save. It is God's justice that grants resurrection and eternal life to Jesus. It is God's grace, through Christ Jesus, that makes new life and the promise of the Spirit available to all who place their hope and faith in him.
Response & Action:
My hope for life is in Jesus. I am broken and hurt from sin in the world, but I am also a sinner who has contributed to the sinful mess the world is in. I am thankful the sinless Christ has been given the authority to graciously share the life, forgiveness, hope, and the resurrection power he has received with all those who love him. I will seek Christ with all my heart. I will take hold of the promise and life he died to give me. I will take hold of the blessings he is able to freely give because he was willing to suffer the curse of the cross.
O God, when I survey the cross on which the Prince of Glory died. My richest gain I count but loss and I pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, God, that I should boast in anything but death of Christ, my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Galatians 2:20-21
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Resources:
The Nature of the Atonement: Four Views
by Thomas R. Schreiner
