Читать книгу Admiring and Applauding God - R. Bruce Stevens - Страница 62

For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law . . . 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.”

—Gal 3:10b, 13

• In Western cultures it is uncommon for people to believe in curses. They seem to be so unscientific somehow. But clearly God believes in them.

• Deuteronomy 27 describes a scene where, on two opposing mountains, the twelve tribes of Israel crowd the summits. From one peak the words ring out, “Cursed is the man who . . . cursed is the man . . . cursed is the man.” Twelve times a curse is declared on any person who fails to keep the agreed-upon covenant. Meanwhile, on the other mountain, echoing words of blessing are issued for those who choose to obey the covenant.

• All who sin violate God’s law and fall under the curse of judgment outlined in God’s Law. The wages of our sin is death, and God pays his wages on time and in full.

• Praise God for the Lord Jesus, our Curse-bearer, who chose to be cursed so that we might be blessed. That calls for a standing ovation and a round of applause! Actually, it calls for a life of humble service as an expression of our gratitude.