Galatians 3:10, 13 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them’…Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’”

Since it is impossible for us to stand righteous before God when we are under the law (cursed), it became necessary for Jesus to become a curse for us. To be cursed means to ‘bring evil upon.’ We who were lost in our sins, needed Jesus to bear the curse for us. Curses were a big deal in Christ’s day. It was believed that curses could be passed down from generation to generation! Curses were taken seriously. And the Jews, the first members of the early church, knew from Scripture that Jesus was cursed for dying the way he did (Deut. 21:22-23). In the gospel of Mark, he lavishes us with detail upon detail leading up to the crucifixion of Christ but when arriving at the act itself, merely states "and they crucified him.” Mark did not go into detail because his readers had already seen one and knew what took place. Today, when you see a cross hanging on a wall or dangling from a bracelet or gold chain, remember that what you are seeing a man who bore your curse. The evil intended for you he took upon himself. That is what being a ‘Savior’ means.

Prayer: O’ Lord, you kept evil from my door when you knew I couldn’t possibly keep it away myself. You became a curse for me and for all my children and their children. You did what I had no hope of doing on my own. I have no righteousness. Now, through faith in you, the curse is lifted and I can stand before our Heavenly Father righteous. Thank you, Lord Jesus - Amen.”