My elementary school classrooms were always filled this time of year with pictures of austere-looking men in black hats and shoes with big buckles. The women in the pictures had white headdresses and aprons over their black dresses. These were the Pilgrims, we were told, who had crossed the ocean in a tiny ship to come to start America—definitely the condensed and inaccurate version.
I was shocked (and relieved) to discover that the people in black were not the Pilgrims but those who came later, the Puritans. The Pilgrims were a church from England, formed when they saw no hope for positive change in the Church of England. They were persecuted for believing that a person could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and for wanting to see “the churches of God revert to their ancient purity and recover their primitive order, liberty and beauty” (William Bradford)*, for believing that no one but Jesus could be the head of the church. They were “hounded, bullied, forced to pay assessments to the Church of England, clapped into prison on trumped up charges, and driven underground,” and “constantly spied upon”*. Finally, (to put it very simply) these “Separatists” had had enough and left England. The black-clad Puritans stayed and tried to “purify from within”*.
And surprise! The Pilgrims didn’t wear black, either! They wore colors such as plum red and emerald green!
*The Light and The Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanksgiving--A Community Celebration
In the U.S. we’ll soon be celebrating Thanksgiving, a special day originally set aside by our early settlers, the Pilgrims, to give thanks to God for providing their food and safety. (though not the original date) Many have (rightfully) complained that it has degenerated into “Turkey Day” or “Football Day”, though food and games were a large part of the original. The lament continues that Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for families to get together—you know, like the Norman Rockwell painting. Wait! Where did that come from?
The Pilgrim’s celebration had nothing to do with family, except of course that they were thankful that any of their family members survived at all. It was a community celebration. The entire settlement came together, and they invited an Indian chief. Surprise! Massasoit came “ a day early with ninety Indians.” How would they feed them all? No problem, the Indians had brought “five dressed deer and more than a dozen fat wild turkeys.” They taught the pilgrim women how to make hoecakes, Indian pudding and popcorn! * The whole community brought food and there was plenty.
If each Pilgrim family had stayed around their own table, they would have missed the opportunity to thank God together with others who had gone through the same trials. They would have missed building valuable friendships with their neighbors (and another culture). And of course, they may have missed popcorn!
If you’ve been in the habit of keeping your Thanksgiving celebration in the “us 4 and no more” realm, I urge you to reconsider and include others from the church and the community. “But I don’t have enough chairs…” You can borrow some or even ask your guests to bring some. “But this is the only time I can be with my family…” Well, then that needs some work. Sure people often include those who are single--but don’t stop there. What about the couple who is far away from their family? Why not make room for them, too? “But they have each other…” Well, “us 2 and no more” isn’t healthy either.
Some of my best memories of Thanksgiving are of community gatherings. One year, when we had our house in Texas, we invited my parents and sister, and a family of three from church who brought along a hitchhiker they had picked up the day before! (I don't recommend picking up hitchhikers but the Lord used it.). Another year, a variety of us from our apartment building gathered to eat, pray and listen to my husband read about the original celebration. Don’t be isolated, celebrate together!
*The Light and The Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1,2
The Pilgrim’s celebration had nothing to do with family, except of course that they were thankful that any of their family members survived at all. It was a community celebration. The entire settlement came together, and they invited an Indian chief. Surprise! Massasoit came “ a day early with ninety Indians.” How would they feed them all? No problem, the Indians had brought “five dressed deer and more than a dozen fat wild turkeys.” They taught the pilgrim women how to make hoecakes, Indian pudding and popcorn! * The whole community brought food and there was plenty.
If each Pilgrim family had stayed around their own table, they would have missed the opportunity to thank God together with others who had gone through the same trials. They would have missed building valuable friendships with their neighbors (and another culture). And of course, they may have missed popcorn!
If you’ve been in the habit of keeping your Thanksgiving celebration in the “us 4 and no more” realm, I urge you to reconsider and include others from the church and the community. “But I don’t have enough chairs…” You can borrow some or even ask your guests to bring some. “But this is the only time I can be with my family…” Well, then that needs some work. Sure people often include those who are single--but don’t stop there. What about the couple who is far away from their family? Why not make room for them, too? “But they have each other…” Well, “us 2 and no more” isn’t healthy either.
Some of my best memories of Thanksgiving are of community gatherings. One year, when we had our house in Texas, we invited my parents and sister, and a family of three from church who brought along a hitchhiker they had picked up the day before! (I don't recommend picking up hitchhikers but the Lord used it.). Another year, a variety of us from our apartment building gathered to eat, pray and listen to my husband read about the original celebration. Don’t be isolated, celebrate together!
*The Light and The Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1,2
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Whose side is God on?
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," he replied,"but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
Joshua 5:13,14
"Neither," he replied,"but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
Joshua 5:13,14
Friday, October 31, 2008
Election Woes
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. I Timothy 1:7
My spirit is deeply troubled over the upcoming election—not so much about the outcome but over the fighting between those who are called by Jesus’ name. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such fear, even hysteria from the “conservatives”, who have resorted in their fear to making up accusations against their opponents. The “progressives” retaliate in anger, accusing of slander.
Somehow, those who are called by Jesus’ name have taken hard stands with both parties though I don’t see how they can support either. Conservatives scream, “How can you possibly vote for abortion or homosexual marriage? Anyone who votes like that can’t possibly be a Christian!” The progressives yell back, “We’re not voting for that, but it’s the best we can do! How can you possibly vote against the poor and not care about the babies after they’re born and against taking care of God’s creation? No one who votes like that can really be a Christian!” Increasingly, conservatives are beginning to hang their heads and say, "We're not voting against that, but it's the best we can do." Each of the two parties gets some things right and some things wrong. But neither is a good option.
And it will continue this way until those who are called by Jesus’ name forget about who is wearing a flag on their lapel or who contributes the most money and focus on following Jesus and his teachings. We can’t cherry pick which ones we like—and they go far beyond the issues of abortion and traditional marriage, even beyond caring for the poor and creation. One of Jesus’ main teachings was that we are to love and serve one another in unity. It’s time for a better way—Jesus’ way.
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31,32
My spirit is deeply troubled over the upcoming election—not so much about the outcome but over the fighting between those who are called by Jesus’ name. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such fear, even hysteria from the “conservatives”, who have resorted in their fear to making up accusations against their opponents. The “progressives” retaliate in anger, accusing of slander.
Somehow, those who are called by Jesus’ name have taken hard stands with both parties though I don’t see how they can support either. Conservatives scream, “How can you possibly vote for abortion or homosexual marriage? Anyone who votes like that can’t possibly be a Christian!” The progressives yell back, “We’re not voting for that, but it’s the best we can do! How can you possibly vote against the poor and not care about the babies after they’re born and against taking care of God’s creation? No one who votes like that can really be a Christian!” Increasingly, conservatives are beginning to hang their heads and say, "We're not voting against that, but it's the best we can do." Each of the two parties gets some things right and some things wrong. But neither is a good option.
And it will continue this way until those who are called by Jesus’ name forget about who is wearing a flag on their lapel or who contributes the most money and focus on following Jesus and his teachings. We can’t cherry pick which ones we like—and they go far beyond the issues of abortion and traditional marriage, even beyond caring for the poor and creation. One of Jesus’ main teachings was that we are to love and serve one another in unity. It’s time for a better way—Jesus’ way.
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31,32
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Important Questions
“The thoughtful person finds herself asking important questions. If Jesus’ ethic speaks of loving one’s enemies, why are we praying for American soldiers but not their victims? Why are we passionate to protect life in the womb but often apathetic about the plight of single moms trying to raise infants without health coverage or access to living wage employment? Why are we working just as hard as everyone else to perpetuate an American dream that results in our 5 percent of the world’s population consuming 26 per cent of the world’s resources? When thoughtful Christians articulate these questions, they are too often told to stop thinking so much and get with the program.”
Richard Dahlstrom
Richard Dahlstrom
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Rescue
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13)
In Galveston,Texas those who ignored the order to evacuate from Hurricane Ike’s fury now have to be rescued from waist-deep water. Reporters and observers have been quick to point out that these “determined” residents have put the “first responders” at risk. While it is true that they have needlessly endangered themselves and others, I was impressed by the response from a spokesman for some of those “first responders”. He gently said, “Our job is to rescue, not to judge.” What a refreshingly mature response!
Isn’t that the response we Christians should have toward unbelievers—those who have not yet heeded God’s warning and offer of safety? Paul said that it wasn’t his business to judge the world. (I Cor. 5:12) Even Jesus, the Creator of everything (Col 1:16) and eventual* judge said that he didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. (John 12:47) Jesus response was and ours should be, “Our job is to rescue, not to judge.”
*Eventual is the key word here. Jesus will be the judge of all things and “the saints” will judge the world with him (John 5:27-30; I Cor. 6:2) but not until the “end”.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. (I Cor. 4:5)
In Galveston,Texas those who ignored the order to evacuate from Hurricane Ike’s fury now have to be rescued from waist-deep water. Reporters and observers have been quick to point out that these “determined” residents have put the “first responders” at risk. While it is true that they have needlessly endangered themselves and others, I was impressed by the response from a spokesman for some of those “first responders”. He gently said, “Our job is to rescue, not to judge.” What a refreshingly mature response!
Isn’t that the response we Christians should have toward unbelievers—those who have not yet heeded God’s warning and offer of safety? Paul said that it wasn’t his business to judge the world. (I Cor. 5:12) Even Jesus, the Creator of everything (Col 1:16) and eventual* judge said that he didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. (John 12:47) Jesus response was and ours should be, “Our job is to rescue, not to judge.”
*Eventual is the key word here. Jesus will be the judge of all things and “the saints” will judge the world with him (John 5:27-30; I Cor. 6:2) but not until the “end”.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. (I Cor. 4:5)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
God's Pruning
Have you ever heard someone exclaim (or write), “ I was cut to the heart by what I read in Scripture”? If you’re like me, it’s been a very long time since you have. In the last several years, people I’ve encountered have been more likely to instead say, “God is teaching me so much through this sickness that I wouldn’t have learned any other way. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.“(John 15:1-3) Since the Greek words for “prune” and “clean” come from the same root, Jesus was saying that his word had pruned them already and they apparently didn’t need any other. If we stay in the Word (continually reading the New Testament and making the teachings our way of life) we won’t need any other kind* of “pruning” either. Sure, the Lord uses every situation, turning what the devil meant for evil into good,(see Romans 8:28) but it’s so much better to let the Holy Spirit convict and teach you through the Word of God.
*Persecution for Jesus’ name's sake is the kind of trial that God uses for chastening us and building character. Look for future posts on this.
Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.“(John 15:1-3) Since the Greek words for “prune” and “clean” come from the same root, Jesus was saying that his word had pruned them already and they apparently didn’t need any other. If we stay in the Word (continually reading the New Testament and making the teachings our way of life) we won’t need any other kind* of “pruning” either. Sure, the Lord uses every situation, turning what the devil meant for evil into good,(see Romans 8:28) but it’s so much better to let the Holy Spirit convict and teach you through the Word of God.
*Persecution for Jesus’ name's sake is the kind of trial that God uses for chastening us and building character. Look for future posts on this.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Judgment, Hurricanes & New Orleans
God's Judgment? Once again, a large hurricane was headed for New Orleans and once again I’ve heard Christians assess it as God’s judgment. I’m ashamed to hear God’s people, who have been generous recipients of god’s mercy deny it to others! In 2005, I wrote an e-mail response to the the judgment-by-e-mail that circulated like buzzards when Katrina did it’s damage. I’m repeating it here, now because the Biblical issues haven’t changed.
On God’s Judgment
By Joan C. Thomson
Autumn 2005
When Katrina headed for New Orleans, I grieved and cried out to God for mercy. Thankfully it “weakened” to a category 4 hurricane from a huge “5 1/2”!
As a teen visiting several times with my family, I knew New Orleans as a beautiful city with huge sprays of magenta bougainvillea trailing over wrought iron balconies. Artists set up their easels in Jackson Square. Royal Street hosted antique and gift shops one after another while a streetcar ride through St. Charles garden district was a delight. Beautifully landscaped courtyards with fountains peeked out through passageways and the food was renowned. And yet, most people only know about Bourbon Street. I’ve been there, too. It is horrible—once you see past the continual carnival atmosphere, but it’s only one part.
I’ll miss the good parts of New Orleans (as it was) yet after Katrina hit I began to hear (as usual) speculation about whether the hurricane was God’s judgment on the area. So I looked for commonality between New Orleans, Gulf Port and Mobile (another beautiful city). New Orleans and Gulf Port have in common newly acquired big gambling while Mobile taught New Orleans how to Mardi Gras (literally). Even as I found these parallels, the Holy Spirit began to convict me. IF God were judging these cities on the grounds of such wickedness, THEN we’d better pray for lots of places! My dad agreed as he enumerated the types of legal gambling in Texas. Was it Mardi Gras? —many US cities have it, as do many throughout Europe. Was it the homosexual parades? Many US cities have those too, including Charlotte.
But even Sodom and Gomorrah had Abraham to intercede for them. God would have relented for even ten righteous people. We can be sure that most places have at least ten! If it was God’s judgment, where were the intercessors? I read an exhortation that said more changes aren’t seen in particular groups because instead of praying for them, we Christians are too busy throwing stones.
Was it God’s judgment? That is for God to say. Even Jesus said, “For I did not come to judge the world but to save it.” (John 12:47b) Judgment will come at the end. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.” (I Corinthians 4:5) Paul said that we aren’t to judge the world at all. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” (I Cor. 5:12) Yes, I’m aware of the verses that say we will judge the world. Notice that they are written in the future tense.
Jesus warned against our passing judgment on those who are the victims of disaster when He said, “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:4,5) That puts us all in a difficult situation since, if there is to be any judgment, it starts with God’s people. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God…” (1 Peter 4:17) But guess what? The context has nothing to do with “natural disasters” but persecution for being a Christian. V13 “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
We’re a lot less likely to pray for a person or place if we’ve made up our minds that God is judging them.
One reason I’ve been so distressed over Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast is that I knew a hurricane could just as easily have hit Galveston and Houston, the city in which I was born and lived until 1985—over half my life. My husband lived most of his life there as well. Our families are there still. Now here we are a few weeks later with Rita bearing down on Galveston and Houston. Yes, Houston has its evil and plenty of it but that doesn’t mean that everyone who lives there is evil.
I’m ashamed to hear Christians saying that Rita should veer over to New Orleans and “finish the job”. Please don’t react to events in an uninformed manner—please base all your opinions, thoughts and comments on the Word of God for it’s the only worthy standard. “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) When you feel the urge to point the finger—PRAY INSTEAD.
On God’s Judgment
By Joan C. Thomson
Autumn 2005
When Katrina headed for New Orleans, I grieved and cried out to God for mercy. Thankfully it “weakened” to a category 4 hurricane from a huge “5 1/2”!
As a teen visiting several times with my family, I knew New Orleans as a beautiful city with huge sprays of magenta bougainvillea trailing over wrought iron balconies. Artists set up their easels in Jackson Square. Royal Street hosted antique and gift shops one after another while a streetcar ride through St. Charles garden district was a delight. Beautifully landscaped courtyards with fountains peeked out through passageways and the food was renowned. And yet, most people only know about Bourbon Street. I’ve been there, too. It is horrible—once you see past the continual carnival atmosphere, but it’s only one part.
I’ll miss the good parts of New Orleans (as it was) yet after Katrina hit I began to hear (as usual) speculation about whether the hurricane was God’s judgment on the area. So I looked for commonality between New Orleans, Gulf Port and Mobile (another beautiful city). New Orleans and Gulf Port have in common newly acquired big gambling while Mobile taught New Orleans how to Mardi Gras (literally). Even as I found these parallels, the Holy Spirit began to convict me. IF God were judging these cities on the grounds of such wickedness, THEN we’d better pray for lots of places! My dad agreed as he enumerated the types of legal gambling in Texas. Was it Mardi Gras? —many US cities have it, as do many throughout Europe. Was it the homosexual parades? Many US cities have those too, including Charlotte.
But even Sodom and Gomorrah had Abraham to intercede for them. God would have relented for even ten righteous people. We can be sure that most places have at least ten! If it was God’s judgment, where were the intercessors? I read an exhortation that said more changes aren’t seen in particular groups because instead of praying for them, we Christians are too busy throwing stones.
Was it God’s judgment? That is for God to say. Even Jesus said, “For I did not come to judge the world but to save it.” (John 12:47b) Judgment will come at the end. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.” (I Corinthians 4:5) Paul said that we aren’t to judge the world at all. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” (I Cor. 5:12) Yes, I’m aware of the verses that say we will judge the world. Notice that they are written in the future tense.
Jesus warned against our passing judgment on those who are the victims of disaster when He said, “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:4,5) That puts us all in a difficult situation since, if there is to be any judgment, it starts with God’s people. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God…” (1 Peter 4:17) But guess what? The context has nothing to do with “natural disasters” but persecution for being a Christian. V13 “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
We’re a lot less likely to pray for a person or place if we’ve made up our minds that God is judging them.
One reason I’ve been so distressed over Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast is that I knew a hurricane could just as easily have hit Galveston and Houston, the city in which I was born and lived until 1985—over half my life. My husband lived most of his life there as well. Our families are there still. Now here we are a few weeks later with Rita bearing down on Galveston and Houston. Yes, Houston has its evil and plenty of it but that doesn’t mean that everyone who lives there is evil.
I’m ashamed to hear Christians saying that Rita should veer over to New Orleans and “finish the job”. Please don’t react to events in an uninformed manner—please base all your opinions, thoughts and comments on the Word of God for it’s the only worthy standard. “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) When you feel the urge to point the finger—PRAY INSTEAD.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Generational Curses
Generational curses are blamed for everything these days. So often when I ask for healing prayer, if I mention the “G” word (genetic), or for no particular reason, the person praying will launch into praying against “generational curses”, the concept based on the second commandment, which says that since “God punishes the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generations,” any problem a person has results from some sin, known or unknown, that their ancestor committed. The remedy, according to the teaching's adherents, consists of anything from personally repenting of that sin to undergoing five-hour rituals to undo their ancestors' Masonic involvement. One person told me that someone who prayed for her discerned witchcraft in her family all the way back to the eleven hundreds—for which she had to repent. People mean well (I think) but I’m amazed at the angry responses to my pointing out what the scripture truly says.
The second commandment and several other passages in the Bible really do say that:
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Exodus 20:5
So what’s the problem? God in his mercy and grace didn’t leave us there! Even as far back as Ezekiel’s time, God stopped passing the blame through the generations!
"Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father? Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. " Ezk 18:19-20
This entire chapter is clearly about individuals not bearing any guilt but their own. Ezekiel was looking forward to the day when Jesus would bear the curse of sin and death, including the generational curse, for us.
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." Galatians 3:13
Hallelujah! Jesus has already done it!!! We who follow Jesus are no longer under the Law! Each person is only responsible to repent for his or her own sins and Jesus’ death and resurrection have won us forgiveness! We don’t need any rituals to “break off” such curses; the New Testament never even suggests such a thing! Even in the Old Testament, God had Ezekiel rebuke the Israelites for saying such a thing.
The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:" `The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. EZE 18:1-4
This is a very serious issue since the kinds of curses that people should be concerned about are the ones that come from trying to be justified by the Law (Mosaic).
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." GAL 3:10
But what about genetic diseases? I’m not a genetic scientist but I can be reasonably sure (and fervently hope) that if a person’s parent has a disease it’s not a sure thing that they will contract it also. If a person knows that a genetic tendency runs in their family they will do well to take precautions such as eating a healthy diet and exercising. I realize that this part is oversimplification but I do know that we who follow Jesus are not required by any curse to contract these things!!
Yes, sometimes curses do harass people for other reasons but that’s another matter. God no longer punishes the children for the sins of their fathers! We are FREE in Jesus!
The second commandment and several other passages in the Bible really do say that:
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Exodus 20:5
So what’s the problem? God in his mercy and grace didn’t leave us there! Even as far back as Ezekiel’s time, God stopped passing the blame through the generations!
"Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father? Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. " Ezk 18:19-20
This entire chapter is clearly about individuals not bearing any guilt but their own. Ezekiel was looking forward to the day when Jesus would bear the curse of sin and death, including the generational curse, for us.
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." Galatians 3:13
Hallelujah! Jesus has already done it!!! We who follow Jesus are no longer under the Law! Each person is only responsible to repent for his or her own sins and Jesus’ death and resurrection have won us forgiveness! We don’t need any rituals to “break off” such curses; the New Testament never even suggests such a thing! Even in the Old Testament, God had Ezekiel rebuke the Israelites for saying such a thing.
The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:" `The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'?As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. EZE 18:1-4
This is a very serious issue since the kinds of curses that people should be concerned about are the ones that come from trying to be justified by the Law (Mosaic).
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." GAL 3:10
But what about genetic diseases? I’m not a genetic scientist but I can be reasonably sure (and fervently hope) that if a person’s parent has a disease it’s not a sure thing that they will contract it also. If a person knows that a genetic tendency runs in their family they will do well to take precautions such as eating a healthy diet and exercising. I realize that this part is oversimplification but I do know that we who follow Jesus are not required by any curse to contract these things!!
Yes, sometimes curses do harass people for other reasons but that’s another matter. God no longer punishes the children for the sins of their fathers! We are FREE in Jesus!
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