Friday ·
The Curse He Carried
Scripture: Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Galatians 3:13 KJV
In Galatians 3, Paul reminds his readers how they first came to know God, not by keeping the law, but by believing what they heard about Christ. Then he explains why the law could never be the way to life. It showed God’s holy standard, but it also showed how far short we fall, and it named the curse that follows.
Here is the wonder of this verse: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” To redeem is to buy back, to pay the price that sets someone free. Jesus didn’t simply wave our debt away. He stepped into our place and carried the curse Himself.
Paul quotes Deuteronomy: “Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” The cross, which once looked like proof that Jesus had been rejected by God, turns out to be the very place where He took our rejection. Everything that stood against us fell on Him, so that the blessing promised to Abraham could come to us.
On this Friday, let’s take a few unhurried minutes to consider what our freedom cost Him. Whatever guilt or shame still clings to us, it has already been carried. We no longer live under the curse. We live under His blessing, and we can thank Him for it with a full heart.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place on the cross. You bore the curse I deserved so I could receive Your blessing. When guilt and shame try to hold on, remind me that You have redeemed me. In Your name, Amen.