PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy.19-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse.” (Deuteronomy 21:23)
As I read from Moses’ Law, I am struck by how dark the world was, and is.
Most of these laws deal with violence, injustice, crime, brokenness, misery.
Laws for awful scenarios are needed, and the laws themselves are dark.
But through the curse and the laws, we see hints of hope, grace and mercy.
There is no hope in the picture of someone hanging on a pole.
Their crime was a capitol offense, a sin against the whole nation (21:22).
Exposed for all eyes to see, the ultimate in judgment and shame… accursed.
“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 pole.’” (Galatians 3:13)
Jesus dies a sinner’s death, the ultimate death penalty that we all deserve.
He doesn’t die for His sin but because of ours – shamed and exposed by our crimes.
He dies the death penalty of Genesis 2:17, “you will certainly die!”
In our darkness, Jesus brings hope to this picture of someone hanging on a pole.
Righteousness fulfilled, sin punished, curse broken, and hope restored… by Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, we live in a dark, cursed world… we have made this into a dark, cursed world. Thank You for breaking the curse, and giving us hope that the world can be better again, with You!
God is a God of Justice – he protects the innocent and penalizes the guilty. Israel was to be decisive about routing out those guilty in the ‘land’ that God had given to them. God wanted a nation that would be a blessing to the nations around them. He wanted a fair and just land – without the detestable religious practices of the people that lived there. There was to be no compromise. Those condemned to die could not be left hanging overnight – it would desecrate the land. God is pure and righteous – I am not. Israel failed as well – only through Jesus am I made right –
Do this and live.
Rules and laws for the people to live by and in that way serving God.
God speaks to His people and tells them – this you shall do to serve me.
And God still speaks to His people today by His Word. Love God. Love man. God needs to be first in all things. I need to live for Him in all I do and say. And as was said of people long ago that they served the Lord their God all the days of their lives, may it be said of me that I lived my ife serving Him. Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
For it’s only in your will that I am free
For it’s only in your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be