Day 37 | 40-Day Lenten Fast & Devotional

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 tree.’ 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. -Galatians 3:13–14

Great morning, great morning y'all. Please excuse the volume behind me.

As you know, today's day 37 in our 40-day Lenten experience. I wasn't gonna miss you with our morning devotional. Even though I'm getting ready to hop on this plane, I had to stop by to give you this because it really blessed me. This week we've been couched in the theme and thought of redemption.

So if you have your swords with you — which I happen to keep handy even while traveling — I'd love if you could turn with me to Galatians, the third chapter.

I'm only gonna look at the 13th verse. Galatians chapter 3, verse 13 says: *Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming cursed for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.' 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 is such good news for us.

Today is what we call "Spy Wednesday" — the point in the liturgical calendar that highlights Judas’ betrayal. In other words, plots and plans so betray Jesus, which would ultimately lead Him to Calvary. It’s in this moment that we realize the redemption that’s embedded in us. The real, day-to-day areas where we’ve committed wrongs — the places where we’ve transgressed against God’s plan and purpose for our lives. But the good news is: we’re redeemed. The good news is: there’s a party. Redemption is the hinge — the linchpin — of the entire resurrection season. The whole purpose of what we do during this time is to lead us to the cross of Calvary, where we recognize God’s redemptive power. But it doesn’t stop there.

The scripture goes a little further and speaks of the blessing of Abraham. Now remember, Abraham was the father of the faith. He was promised blessings more numerous than the grains of sand. And that blessing wasn’t just for a select group of people. Through Christ, that promise has been extended to the Gentiles— which means you and me. That’s even more good news.

As we move toward Resurrection Sunday, each day this week ought to bring us closer to two realizations one, Our fallibility, and two God’s grace. That beautiful word "grace" should echo in your spirit every time you walk, talk, move, and act. Everything we do should be wrapped in the awareness that God allowed His grace to rest on us. That’s why I told myself, even in the busyness of this week, every single day I’m going to take a moment to acknowledge, recognize, and recall God’s grace on my life. You should do the same, so that when we get to Good Friday, we understand exactly why it’s good.

The scripture says, "Cursed is he who hangs on the tree." In other words, Christ adopted the curse that was meant for you and for me so that we may be redeemed.

I don’t know about you, but that helps me — as I move, as I operate, even today as I prepare to travel. I pray that this thought and theme stays with you throughout the rest of this week.

God’s grace is upon you — because He took on the curse. And because of that, you are redeemed.

God bless you. Have an incredible Wednesday. Can’t wait to see you and talk to you soon.