"For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,"
Paul expressed his desire to be accursed for his Jewish people. In this his desire is like that of the Lord, who "became a curse for us", as it is written, "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree". Our Lord cried out at that moment the Father "bruised him for our iniquity" - to the death. Paul was taught by the Lord to sacrifice, to pour himself out for others, having loved God first.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to carry my cross, as you did first, and then all those who call you Lord must do; that I may know you, the true God, better, and love you completely. Amen
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Hey, "accursed" is that solely metaphorical about the tree, or does it have a more complicated meaning? Is the person a curse? Or are they cursed? Please explain, oh, wise one.
The text seems to indicate that those that hang on the tree (they used to hang bodies on a tree in ancient times) are cursed, they bear the curse (wrath, consequence) of violating the law of God.
But I will try to look that up in some lexical tools later!
Pat
I will wait eagerly...
It is very interesting that Gal. 3 (the chapter in which curse is used twice, referring back to the OT) begins with "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified". And hanging on a tree was a means of publicly hanging the corpse on a tree or stake in OT times, usually after stoning for an offense calling forth such a punishment, something against the law of God. The treatment showed that the person was under the curse - which Christ became for us.
Curse has some interesting usage in ancient times. Kittel writes, "curses, found in almost all religious history, are utterances that are designed to bring harm by supernatural operation" To be under God's curse was to bear the wrath he promised for breaking his covenant.
God's word is so cool!
Curse, covenant and cool. All in one tightly wound explanation. Good job as usual Mr. Pat...
Post a Comment