Hanging From an Old Tree

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"—in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

 

By Jewish law or custom there is a curse put on anyone who is hung on a tree. If someone has committed a crime worthy of death and is executed and hung on a tree, the body must not remain hanging from the tree overnight. You must bury the body that same day, for anyone who is hung is cursed in the sight of God. In this way, you will prevent the defilement of the land the LORD your God is giving you as your special possession. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 NLT.  

 

Hanging from a tree sort of congers up the image of life in the old West—gangsters getting their due swinging from a knotted noose. Washington State, where I live, is one of only two states that allows hanging as a death penalty. Currently, Governor Inslee opposes the death penalty and refuses to order any executions. No curses will be hanging around those nine men who are on death row there. Do they know the Lord? Can you pray for them? Christ has offered them redemption from the curse…just the same as He has offered us liberation from our sins. Everyone just needs to claim their redemption in faith—knowing that the promise of the Holy Spirit is waiting for them. The joy of knowing God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—reveal Yourself to those who wait…for freedom from their sin, for the release of their past, and for the joy of knowing You.

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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