Saturday 27 June, 2020

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[a] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[b] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[c] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[d] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

This passage is the message of freedom that sets us as believers apart from every other religion. I can’t be good enough (perfect) to be acceptable to God by my own efforts. But when Jesus uttered ‘it is finished’ on the Cross it marked the end of our struggle with this conundrum. It is the death of Christ and his victory over sin that makes us able to enter the presence of God. So why do we so often try to impress God with all the great things we have done? It’s not that we shouldn’t do good, but we need to remember that it is not these things that make us Right with God. I need to reset my inner compass so that it doesn’t reflect the standards and mindset of the world. I want to live in the freedom delivered to me by Jesus rather than the condemnation of a life lived by worldly values.

Jesus thank you for all that you have done for me. Remind me every day of how much you have given and create in me a grateful heart. By your Holy Spirit guide my thinking so I might bring Glory to your name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight