April 17th

The Ultimate Purpose and Power of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

What do you think about the cross? Have you ever really thought about it?

Have you looked at your golden necklace and realized that you are wearing an instrument of torture and death around your neck? Have you seen the cross on the church steeples around town and remembered that it used to be a rated R-level scene of horror, gore, violence, and death-only it wasn't a movie; it was a very real, public display of capital punishment?

When you think of it this way, why on earth would we wear cross jewelry or erect crosses on church buildings? It is because the message of the cross is the power of God to us who are being saved.

Where the world sees weakness, we see strength. Where the world sees utter defeat, we see complete victory. And perhaps most of all, where the world sees foolishness, we see wisdom.

We see the wisdom of Christ Jesus, by all appearances wasting His life on wretched sinners, but in reality saving for Himself a new breed of children of God who will one day be His bride. We see His wisdom in emptying Himself, not holding on to what was rightfully His, yet then being given the name above all names so that at His name every knee in all of creation will bow before Him (Philippians 2:5-10).

The reality of the cross can only be one thing for us-either foolishness or power. Either it will be foolish and you will still think you need to force your own way through life, taking what is rightfully yours and insisting on your own way in this dog eat dog world. Or you will see the power of the cross, receive the free gift of life that Jesus provided, and trust Him to make your way for you throughout your time on earth.

Foolishness or power. Self-seeking or God-seeking. Self-establishing or God-trusting. Oh, and don't forget this one-perishing or being saved.

This is the choice set before us today and we can only choose one way. What will the cross mean to you today?

Prayer Lord Jesus,

I recognize that I desperately need saved, and I gladly receive the cross as the power for salvation in my life! Please fill me with this amazing power, with Your wisdom, and help me to follow Your example.

Amen