Daily Devotional
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us - for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree' - so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."
Galatians 3:13-14
The covenant renewal ceremony in Joshua 8 points us ultimately to Christ. Just as the king of Ai was hanged on a tree, Jesus was hung on a cross. But unlike the king of Ai, Jesus wasn’t executed for His own sins – He became a curse for our sins so that we might receive blessing we could never earn.
This is the heart of the gospel: true victory isn’t found in conquering all our battles or achieving all our goals. True victory is being in covenant relationship with God through Christ. We may win some battles this week and lose others, but when we gather to worship, we’re reminded that we’ve already won because we’re in relationship with Him.
The jarring transition from battle to worship in Joshua 8 teaches us that our highest calling is not conquest but covenant faithfulness. Whatever battles you’re facing, whatever victories you’ve achieved, remember that the goal isn’t just winning – it’s maintaining your relationship with the God who has already given you ultimate victory in Christ.
Today's Challenge
How does understanding that Christ became a curse for you change your perspective on both your failures and successes? What would it look like to prioritize covenant faithfulness over conquest in your current circumstances?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming a curse for me so that I could receive blessing. Help me to remember that true victory is found not in winning all my battles but in my relationship with You. When I face defeats, remind me of Your grace. When I experience victories, help me to pause and worship. Keep my heart focused on covenant faithfulness rather than conquest. In Your name I pray, Amen.
