“Christ has 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”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14
Have you ever considered how there has never been a people group more prized and accomplished that the Jewish people? In spite of horrific persecution, the Jewish people have garnered more success in science, engineering, discovery, medicine, business, the arts and more. Also, more millionaires, billionaires and wealth creation have come from those of Jewish descent. So, what’s to be attributed to all of their success? It’s the simple belief they have in a blessing, and in particular, “the blessing of Abraham.”
The “blessing of Abraham,” or “Abrahamic Blessing,” is held in such high regard that Jews, to this day, believe that, because they are recipients of this blessing, success must follow them. Yes, they work hard. But along with hard work, they believe that they are destined to prosper and succeed because they carry this powerful blessing.
In 2 Samuel 21, a severe drought hit the land and David needed answers. He knew that, as God’s chosen people, they weren’t supposed to live in lack. So, he sought the Lord. The Lord showed David that, because of the previous king, Saul’s, failure to keep the covenant to live at peace with the Gideonites, a curse had come upon Israel. Saul, in his anger, had mercilessly killed many of the Gideonites, and the resulting curse had brought a great famine upon the land. God’s remedy wasn’t pleasing to David, but he simply had no choice. Seven of Saul’s sons and descendants had to die, and their death would be the payment that would break the drought for good. Their lives had to be sacrificed to set Israel free from the curse.
Throughout scripture, the number seven represents perfection. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, became our sacrifice so that we would both be set free from the curse of the Law, and become heirs of the Abrahamic Blessing. Hebrews 10:14 in The Message says, “It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.”
Thank God that by this one perfect Man’s sacrifice, you and I can live curse-free and under the continual blessing. Today, may you bask in the goodness and blessing made available to you through Jesus.