God’s Curse-Our Hope

Deuteronomy 27

The people of Israel are about to enter into the land and the past few chapters have been the reiteration of the law to the people so they will not forget everything that God has commanded to them. They are to pass it to generation to generation. As we stop from the laws we move onto an event which Israel was to do. When they come to the place, Mount Ebal, which was right before they cross the Jordan into the promise land, they were to establish a altar in remembrance of what God has done for them. This altar would be different than any other altar as it would be made uncut stones and on the stones the law would be written. It would stand for all of Israel to remember everything that God has done and will continue to do for them as they obey his commands. On this altar they will offer up sacrifices, peace offerings and they will rejoice in the Lord for who and what he has done.

 The curse 

 Moses also then gave them instruction on some other last minute advice. On Mount Ebal there was some warning given to Israel. It was sharing to everyone if you do any of these things than you will be cursed. The 12 curses given in verses 16–26 are sins that can be done in secret and it could go undetected. God reminds Israel here that sin is sin and even if it is done in secret it is still sin and wretched. 

We were cursed as we have broken the law. James 2:10 tells us that even if we have kept most of the law but broke it a little bit, we still broke all of it and because of that we are cursed. Romans 3:23 tells us that all fall short and all have sinned against God. The curse upon all men is death, not just a physical death but the spiritual death and separation from God. When we look at it this way, there seems to be no hope. Nothing on our own can save us. We can try to be good and do good but honestly once we sinned, we fall short. There is hope and that is in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:13 tells us that Jesus has redeemed us from the curse because he became the curse for us. Jesus who was sinless and perfect, who did not break the law, became broken and cursed so we can be redeemed. Thank you Jesus. If you have not asked Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, please do. There is hope in Christ who has set us free from sin. Romans 10:13 tells us if you call on the name of the Lord you will be saved. We must ask for forgiveness and God will forgive us of our sins (1st John 1:9). We know when we do, we are a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5:17).