Game reserve bushveld is full of trees and shrubs covered in thorns. The animals have no problem living in this harsh environment, however we would soon be yelping in pain and scoured with scratches. God said that thorns were part of the curse for our disobedience – “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.l” (Genesis 3:17-18). Even if we can avoid actual thorns, we cannot avoid the thorns of life – sickness, job loss, hurt, fear, pain – a bushveld of thorns. However, “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 pole.”” (Galatians 3:13). Jesus wore the crown of thorns so we might wear a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). Whatever thorns surround you today, let Jesus take them, and feel his peace. (Taste for more? www.gospelbites.org)
