Issue 1577 – Seven Sayings – Part 10 October 18, 2024
Good morning.
We continue our journey into the “Word of Anguish,” one of the “Seven Sayings on the Cross.” We read Christ’s agony-filled words…
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46
The agony of death and sin sits on the shoulders of an innocent man. It was also the death of the curse. Christ taking on our sin makes freedom from the curse of death possible.
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
He was cursed to redeem all who would believe from the curse. The curse remains on those who would reject His gift of mercy.
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41
What is the curse of death? It isn’t simply physical death, although every living person will pass through physical death unless the Lord returns first. Indeed, physical death is part of the curse. It is a stage to be passed through, either to be in glory with God or eternal conscious torment away from Him.
The curse is eternal alienation from God, from every good thing. We have no fundamental concept of the reality of permanent alienation from the Lord, but that is because Jesus took it on for us.
The mockers talk about enjoying their sin with their friends in hell. They do not understand there will be nothing good in that place of torment. No friends, no pleasure, no beauty … only eternal conscious separation from everything of God. I don’t know if there will be literal flames in hell, but I know that the agony of the alienation will be unbearable and enduring.
God is life, the bringer of life, and the sustainer of life. If we cut ourselves off from Him by our sinful nature and our conscious rejection of Him, then we cut ourselves off from life. It is Jesus’ sacrifice that makes restoration with true life possible.
It isn’t just the human race that is under the curse. All of the earth is cursed (Genesis 3:14-24). The motif of the curse for disobedience (with blessings for obedience) continues into Mosaic Law (see Deuteronomy 27-28 for a detailed example). The prophets cry out woes and curses on the enemies of God’s people. Even Jesus proclaimed woes on the Pharisees for their hardened hearts.
The concept of the curse of God is often neglected in the modern church; we prefer “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” but it is essential. We will never truly understand the gospel until we come to terms with what we have been delivered from and the real consequences of sin.
Sin impacts more than just the sinner; it impacts those around us and, in a very real way, all of the created order.
Jesus allowed Himself to be put under the curse, and He was wounded and pierced. In that selfless, loving act, he made possible what no one else could do, … he brought many to glory.
Praise the one who took our curse and agony and replaced it with reconciliation and freedom.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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