That’s hard for us to grasp too. The thought that a God who hates sin would let His Son become sin on our behalf, and then pour out His wrath on sin at that moment in time, is almost unthinkable. But this plan gives us a glimpse into the heart of God like nothing else could. What we see is a King who would fight epic battles and pay enormous costs for His desired bride. We see a Ruler whose promises and loyalties are not turned off by rejection and rebellion. We see a Warrior who will battle to the death to accomplish His plan. And we see a Mastermind who executed the perfect strategy across diverse millennia and cultures to defeat His enemy.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13)
When you read that Christ became a curse for us – that the God who hates curses clothed Himself in a curse in our place – what do you think of Him? Does this come across as a profound mystery? Have you heard it so often that it seems commonplace? Does it thrill your soul or bore you? What goes on in your mind when you hear of this completely unexpected, cosmically astounding event?
The early followers of Jesus were utterly confounded by the mystery and took years to sort it out. And what eventually dawned on them, as reflected in Paul’s letter to the Romans, is that if God did this for us, what would He not do? Do passionate lovers pay ultimate sacrifices and then walk away from their love? Never. The God who laid down His Son’s life for us is the God who hears our prayers today, who carefully watches over us, and who is guiding us home. We can approach Him with confidence because He has already demonstrated, emphatically, that He Is On Our Side.
Have a rest-filled weekend. Make it better by worshiping The Lord with those who know how to love because they know the love of God so well, expressing it is second nature.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 