The Power of the Cross

For the word 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)

Meditation

Have you ever been the brunt of jokes because of your faith? Unbelievers think us fools because we believe in and cling to the cross. The worldview of an unbeliever is superior, in their minds. They believe, even embrace the lies of secular scientist who offer up only natural reasons for their existence. They cannot conceive of a supernatural explanation of how they got here or why they need a savior. In their rebellion, they refuse to believe any notion of a superior being they would be accountable to. If Christians are not physically persecuted, they are shunned out-right, and kept at arm’s length. We’re accused of having a mental defect. We’re deluded by some pie-in-the-sky dogma that makes us believe in fairy tales. They don’t realize they are slowly perishing in their unbelief.

What significance does the cross have for a believer? That blood-stained cross calls out to us who are being saved. Without that rugged old piece of wood, our sins are still like filthy rags. The Romans intended the cross to be an instrument for torture and execution, but now it’s the symbol of our redemption. We hear and cling to the message of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the love he expressed with by his sacrifice. We have been cleansed by his blood that washes away our sins. We know our eternity is secure. We are blessed beyond measure because the One who saved us is also the One who created all things. He is the true power of the universe. He rules over all. Our reward awaits us in the hereafter. We have nothing to fear from death any longer because the word of the cross is the promise of salvation.

Are you being persecuted by some unsaved bullies these days? If so, you’re in good company. Christians have been mistreated from the first century right through to the present day. Return their hate filled acts with kindness, love, and a peaceful spirit. That’s how Jesus wants us to react. That might be enough to cause them to investigate what we believe in and eventually turn to Jesus themselves. We will not change their minds or actions if we reply to their offenses with some of our own. If nothing else, not retaliating will drive our antagonists nuts! On Judgment Day those who are full of worldly wisdom and think themselves very clever, will know the folly of what they thought was truth. They will not be able to stand against the truth of God’s justice and will be forced to bow their knee and call Jesus their Lord!

Prayer Time

Oh God, you carry the whole universe in your mighty hand. You hold all things together with the power of your will. We praise you for the plan you set into motion on that last day Adam and Eve were in the Garden. It was by your grace that you provided a redeemer who could pay the price for our iniquities. We thank you so much for your mercy when we don’t deserve it. We know how powerful the message of the cross is. We lay all our sins at the cross, Lord, and turn away from them in repentance. We love you, Lord, and we pray for all those who think us fools for putting our trust in you. Their souls are dead, and their hearts are of stone. Help us to be like Jesus when we’re mistreated by them. Help us to resist the desire to return their hate with hate of our own. Give us the words, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that will make them see how much you love them. Help us to show them just how real you are and what you can do in their lives. Never let us prejudge whether or not a person will hear and repent. Give us a willingness to share the gospel to anyone, no matter if we like them or not. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!