Reflections and Redemption
Why did Jesus die on the cross? Why the means of crucifixion, when by Jewish law, stoning would have been a suitable means to punish for a crime? And I want to clarify: Jesus did not commit a crime! He is perfect in every way.
Friends, God is intentional. Nothing, not one word, period, or comma, is insignificant—it all means something because it all points to Christ. The forgiveness of our sins ONLY required the shedding of blood, which could have happened by stoning or any other means. So I ask again, why the cross? There is deliverance when we ponder the work of Jesus, indeed deep healing found in redemption.
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This is why we should ask questions when we come to the word. As I continue to walk with Jesus, I keep finding more and more questions that lead me into the quiet space with Him so I can know and trust Him. I believe this is the hour for us to draw near, to hear our Bridegroom speak sweetly to us and reassure us of His protection, power, and promises.
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Our subject today is dear to my heart because it concerns the Gospel. There aren't many things I am willing to go toe to toe for, but the Gospel is my love, and I will stand for it to be spoken as the LORD intended. Our verse for this weekend is fantastic!!!
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“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree—”
Galatians 3:13.
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Now, stop⛔. Reread it. 👉🏾“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—” Galatians 3:13.
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Any Christian who feels they are under or being held back by a curse—this word is for you! Christ became a curse for us so we would never come under the curse again! This is the reason for the cross and not any other method. Our part, the one thing God requires is for us is to believe the work of His Son.
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The verse from Galatians is connected to👉🏾: “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.” Deuteronomy 21:22-23.
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We must look to the cross, embrace it, and ask the Lord to reveal His work to us. Interestingly, in Deuteronomy 28, a list of blessings for obedience is seen in verses 28:1-14. There is also a comprehensive list of curses covered in 28:15-68. Review them when you have time, but remember Jesus Paid It All before you do. For each curse you read, stamp: PAID✝️
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Galatians 3:13 is also connected to Deuteronomy 28:68 𝓈𝓅ℯ𝒸𝒾𝒻𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝒻𝒾𝓋ℯ 𝓌ℴ𝓇𝒹𝓈. “And the Lord will bring you back in ships to Egypt, a journey that I promised that you should never make again; and there you shall offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇ℯ 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷ℯ 𝓃ℴ 𝒷𝓊𝓎ℯ𝓇.” Deuteronomy 28:68. (Italics mine).
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In Galatians 3:13, the Holy Spirit used the word “𝓇ℯ𝒹ℯℯ𝓂ℯ𝒹.” The word in Greek is exagorazō, meaning to deliver, liberate, purchase, or buy back. Hallelujah🙌🏾. Jesus did what no one else could. He purchased us back from the slave market by His blood, and He removed the curse from us by dying a death on the cross.
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The curse is broken at the point of salvation. I will repeat it—when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord, every curse is broken! The Blood of Jesus is efficacious for all time! The Blood of Jesus is enough! We cannot add to the work of Christ!
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We don't have to perform works, a litany of steps, apply unique ointments or say special prayers to get God to move on our behalf. We accepted in the Beloved, therefore, proceed from a position of gratitude because God has already moved on our behalf. We don't have to look back at what our grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles did, then do this or that to break off what they've done. We are no longer liable for another's mistakes. We must believe the truth, who is Jesus, beloved. Because “It is finished.”
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The Lord knew people would come into the church, some to deceive believers and others out of ignorance usurping our freedom in Him. Don’t let them! Beloved, when someone leads you to perform works to undo “a curse” when you've been born again, in actuality, they are saying the blood of Jesus isn't enough! They may not see it that way; they may not mean it that way, but that is EXACTLY what it means. Because they are asking you to add to the Cross, to the work of Jesus, making it based on what you must do and not what Jesus has done, which is another Gospel.
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The Holy Spirit took great care to explain the importance of the cross through the Apostle Paul in the book of Galatians. Beloved, the pivotal theme in the Book of Galatians is sanctification by faith in the finished work of Jesus alone. If you haven't taken the time to read this fantastic epistle, I encourage you to do so that you will be equipped in the word of His grace and understand sanctification by faith in what Jesus has accomplished.
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I know this is a lengthy post and I appreciate your time. I pray this has blessed you. I leave you with a few verses from the apostle Paul to consider for your weekend meditation. I urge you to thoughtfully ponder your faith journey using the journal prompts provided🫶🏾
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“Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?” Galatians 3:2.
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“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3.
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“Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—” Galatians 3:5.
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“just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?” Galatians 3:6.
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“Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7.
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“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” Galatians 3:8.
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“So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Galatians 3:9.
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“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”Galatians 3:10.
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“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”Galatians 3:11.
We are saved, sanctified, and blessed not because of anything we do but because we believe in what Christ has done♡
Biblical Journal Prompts: Why The Cross
Galatians 3:13 Reflection
Read Galatians 3:13 slowly and prayerfully. What stands out to you about Christ becoming a curse for us? How does this deepen your understanding of His sacrifice on the cross?
How does this verse reassure you of your freedom from any curse or condemnation? Write down your reflections. The Significance of the Cross
Why do you think the cross, a Roman method of execution, was chosen for Jesus' death instead of stoning, which was the Jewish method of punishment?
Reflect on how the cross symbolizes both the curse and the redemption. How does this shape your view of Jesus' sacrifice? Personal Application
Have you ever felt like you were under a curse or burden? How does knowing that Jesus redeemed you from the curse change your perspective?
Write a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the freedom it brings you. Connection to Deuteronomy 28:68
Read Deuteronomy 28:68. What is the significance of being redeemed from the curse, especially considering the last part of this verse?
How does understanding the curses listed in Deuteronomy enhance your appreciation of what Christ accomplished on the cross? The Efficacy of Jesus’ Blood
Reflect on the statement, "The Blood of Jesus is enough!" How does this truth affect your daily walk with Christ?
Are there areas in your life where you feel the need to perform or do works to gain favor with God? How does the truth of Jesus' finished work on the cross set you free from this mindset? Sanctification by Faith
Read Galatians 3:5-6 and Galatians 3:9. How does Paul’s teaching on sanctification by faith challenge or encourage you in your spiritual journey?
Spend time meditating that your righteousness comes from faith in Jesus’ finished work, not from your own efforts. How does this truth transform your relationship with God? Guarding Against False Teachings
Why is it important to recognize and guard against teachings that suggest we need to add to Jesus' work on the cross?
Write a prayer asking God for discernment to identify and reject any teachings that undermine the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice. Living in Freedom
How can you live out the freedom and blessing that come from being redeemed by Christ? What practical steps can you take to walk in this freedom daily?
Reflect on how you can share the message of the cross and its significance with others. Write down any thoughts or plans God places on your heart.
