S) "22 “If a man has committed a sin worthy of death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his corpse shall not hang all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him on the same day (for he who is hanged is accursed of God), so that you do not defile your land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance."
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NASB)
O) This instruction is pretty specific to the judgment of sinners. As such, it doesn't really hold any relevance to life after the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. However, this is a foreshadow of what would eventually happen to Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Christ took every sin upon Himself, then He was guilty of sin worthy of death. When He was put to death, He was symbolically hung on a tree, that is, the cross. So, when Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus down from the cross, it fell perfectly in line with this command from the Law. Jesus Christ lived His life perfectly according to the Law, and died and was buried perfectly according to the Law.
A) The phrase, "accursed of God" is also more literally translated, "the curse of God." By reading the verse in that more literal translation, gives some added depth when I read some of the Nee Testament verses about Jesus fulfilling Law (see Galatians 3:13). So, while the above verse is not directly applicable to my life in the New Covenant, it is a present reminder that the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus were all four parts of fulfilling various prophecies. The Old Testament, including the Law of Moses and the prophets, all pointed to the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In the blessings and the curses, Jesus fulfilled it all. This verse is a reminder of a warning, but it really speaks to me about God's nature as our gracious God, and that is reason to praise Him.
P) Father, Your wisdom and knowledge are complete. There is nothing outside Your notice, and nothing catches You by surprise. This command, given by the mouth and pen of Moses, even this was written with Your perfect knowledge of the death and burial of Jesus Christ. From beginning to end, Your plan to reconcile Yourself to lost people was perfectly executed. This unfathomable depth to Your knowledge and grace of the gospel, I want to share with others. Embolden me, Father, to share my faith and the impact of the gospel in my life. Open eyes to see and ears to hear, so that Your name is glorified! Provide opportunities, Lord, as I commit myself to obediently share the gospel, even this day, even this moment. Let Your will continue to be done, as more and more people come to salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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