LEARNING FROM ABRAHAM (Lenten 46)
As we continue on our Lenten Journey today, with the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ still fresh in our minds, I am reminded of some precious verses found in Gal. 3:13-14 AMP. N.T. Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified);
To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.
MESSAGE Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the Cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.
NKJV But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.
I trust you appreciate some different translations as I share thoughts with you, I trust they may open more truth and understanding to you.
Because of our sin and sinful nature inherited from Adam, we were all under a curse, and Jesus took our curse upon Himself and became a curse for us, then wiped the curse away. What a glorious Salvation we have.
JESUS TOOK THE CURSE, THEN OFFERED US THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM.
This blessing is found in Genesis 12:2-3 MESSAGE
- 14a I’ll make you a great nation
and bless you.
I’ll make you famous;
you’ll be a blessing.
I’ll bless those who bless you;
those who curse you I’ll curse.
All the families of the Earth
will be blessed through you.” - Then 14b That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
WE HAVE SO MUCH TO THANK ABRAHAM FOR
Let me highlight just one aspect of Abraham’s life, that was not only a key to his becoming the FATHER OF FAITH, but is an essential key for us to learn to walk in the Blessings of Abraham. It is found in Genesis 26:25 NKJV So he built an ALTAR there and CALLED on the name of the Lord, and he PITCHED his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants DUG a well.
THERE ARE 4 ESSENTIAL KEYS HERE IF WE ARE TO WALK IN GOD’S BLESSING.
- WE MUST BUILD AN ALTAR
This speaks of WORSHIP & SACRIFICE.
2 .WE MUST CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD IN PRAYER
3. WE MUST HAVE A TENT MENTALITY
A tent is a temporary structure, that can be easily erected, and also quickly pulled down, We must not settle down, but be ready to obey and move at the Lord’s command
4.WE MUST EVER BE DIGGING AND SEARCHING TO MAINTAIN AND DEEPEN THE BLESSING OF GOD IN OUR LIVES.
So here is some simple thoughts for you to reflect upon today, I trust they will be a blessing to you.
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