JESUS HIMSELF BECAME A CURSESpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), Galatians 3:13. For the fulfillment of the will of God and for the people in darkness to enjoy the great life, He sacrificed His life.
"The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." Matthew 4:16
Jesus has also said in Luke 12:49, 50; "I came to send fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished."
Fire represents the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ came into the world to bring the Holy Spirit to this earth. Jesus tells us how He has to suffer sacrificing His own life to bring the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit pours life into the hearts of the people. He lifts them up from the miry clay of sin and transforms them like Jesus Christ to offer eternal life.
In II Corinthians 3:17,18 we read "Now the Lord is the spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as by the spirit of the Lord." Only the Holy Spirit could establish the kingdom of God in this earth and build up the life of a man.
To bring to this world the fire and life giving Holy Spirit, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. So also every servant of god is invited to offer himself as a sacrifice so that he could bring the Holy Spirit upon the people. This is the most significant mission of God's servants. Only when Jesus passed through the agony of the passion of the cross He cried out "How much am I persecuted!"
Jesus Himself became a curse.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.' Galatians 3:13
When Jesus hung on the cross first His name was blasphemed. And those who passed by blasphemed Him wagging their heads and saying, "If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." (Matthew 27:40). Yes, the name and the authority of the Son of God was blasphemed!
Next his flesh was subjected to curse. In Isaiah 53:2,3 we read, "And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him, He is despised and rejected by men. A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were, our faces from Him. He was despised and we did not esteem Him." Again Galatians 3:14 declares that Jesus Christ subjected His authority, His flesh and esteem to be cursed to bring the Holy Spirit to the people of this world. This is the responsibility of each and every servant of God. They never claim for name or fame nor do they depend on the things of this world. According to a devoted man of God all the earthly relationships and activities are all cursed ones. They do not attach any importance to the matters of the world. They do not live for this world. The Lord God is the first for them in everything. That is why Jesus has said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his won life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26) Therefore let us ask for the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit given to us by our loving Father through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord and lead a holy life free from all curses in this world.
Prayer
Almighty God,
I thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us in times of trouble. In this day, I ask you to fill me with the anointing of the Holy Spirit so that I may lead a holy and prosperous life in this world without any curses. Tenderly guide me O shepherd of love and keep me under Your protecting mighty wings. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen |