Lent - Pt 2

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. (Galatians 3:10-13 ESV).

One of the perks of having a son who lives in Washington DC is being able to visit some of the most interesting landmarks of our nation. And, having an “expert” guide to take us to all those places is quite wonderful as well. We have been to the monuments many times; we have been to the embassies of the world, touring many of them; we have been to the museums, which are second to none in the world; and, we have visited some of the other historical sites marking some of the key changes in our nation. One of those places that always impresses me is the Supreme Court. To the left of the steps leading to the main entrance of the building is “Contemplation of Justice” sculpted by James Earle Fraser. In this sculpture, a seated female figure reflects on a small figure of Justice that she holds in her right hand; additionally, the figure of Justice is blindfolded and cradles a set of scales in her arms. Since the 15th century, Lady Justice has often been depicted wearing a blindfold, which is intend to represent objectivity, in that justice is or should be meted out objectively, without fear or favor, regardless of identity, money, power, or weakness. We should see this principle at work in our spiritual lives as well. When we read Genesis 3, we encounter a God who pronounces judgment. God responds to Adam and Eve’s disobedience and the serpent’s treachery decisively and impartially. With the pronouncement of each curse and judgment, there is an undoing or reversal of God’s gracious creative works. Adam, who was created from the dust, is now destined to return back to it. Eve, who was created out of Adam, has now become dominated by him. The serpent, who was craftier than any of the wild animals, is now humiliated, groveling on its belly, eating dust. In this chapter we see that sin has affected all of creation. Death entered the world with sin, and all manner of sorrow, suffering and despair. But the worst of the curse would fall upon a different man many millennia later as Paul said, “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.’” (v. 13). Jesus would take upon himself a curse in order to redeem humanity’s status. This is a start in preparing for Easter. Lent ought to be a time of reflection of God doing what we could never do, and paying what we could never pay. Without Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we would simply be cursed. Our lives would have no meaning and end in death and eternal misery. Judgment has been pronounced and the sentence been served! Grace abounds in Christ!