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Galatians 3:10-14
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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." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by 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" - so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (ESV)
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Draw Us to You
Monday of Christmas 2
3 January 2011
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Christ was crucified for our benefit not for His own (Duh!), so that He might be the cursed one who dies on a tree. If He bears that curse, then we do not and cannot bear it. We are freed by what was borne by His flesh. The curse of sin has been taken from us.
The crucifixion is not a very happy subject. It is hardly fit for our Christmas contemplation. It never causes visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads. But that baby born of Mary in Bethlehem's stable was destined to die, to die in our place, to die on the cross, to die under the curse. Because He is born to die He has given to us the joy of new life, by rebirth in baptism.
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Athanasius of Alexandria
"If any honest Christian wants to know why He suffered death on the cross and not in some other way, we answer: in no other way was it expedient for us, indeed the Lord offered for our sakes the one death that was supremely good. He had come to bear the curse that lay on us. How could He 'become a curse' (Gal 3:13) otherwise than by accepting the accursed death? And that death is the cross, for it is written 'cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree' (Gal 3:13).
"Again, the death of the Lord is the ransom of all, and by it 'the middle wall of partition' (Eph 2:14) is broken down and the call of the Gentiles comes about. How could He have called us if He had not been crucified, for it is only on the cross that a man dies with arms outstretched? Here, again, we see the fitness of His death and of those outstretched arms. It was that He might draw His ancient people (the Jews) with the one and the Gentiles with the other, and join both together in Himself. Even so, He foretold the manner of His redeeming death, 'I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Myself' (Jn 12:32)."
Athanasius, On the Incarnation, 25
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Prayer
Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For rescue from the kingdom of Satan, who is prowling about seeking whom he may devour, that our God would rescue us through the power of His Word
For Cristy Gaus, that the Lord Jesus would be with her
For Michelle Baughman, that the Lord would be merciful and grant healing
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Art: BASSANO Nativity 15th century
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 © Scott R. Murray, 2011
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