When I first heard about Jesus, I was confused and didn’t really understand the power within His story. I thought the idea of being crucified by His enemies meant that He had ‘lost” and anyone following Him was a loser too. Never before was there an underdog, anti-hero like Him. He caught me off guard and unaware that the cross (His death) was ultimately to display the power of God. It wasn’t the foolishness I perceived. My problem was that I had no desire at that moment to reconcile or answer for my sin. Yes, I knew I was a sinner- but I thought ‘hey, I am not as bad as that guy over there’. I had underestimated the holiness of God and the sinfulness of my sin. The cross crystalized my problem and the only hope I had which was to put my trust in a perfect person who was willing to pay the penalty of my sin for me. And then, imagine the fascination when I discovered that Jesus not only died, but took up His own life three days later. He was raised for my justification and to prove His power of death. Wow! I wonder who else has misunderstood the word (underlying message) of the cross? You know you can come to Him even late in life and be saved.
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. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound.” Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
When were my eyes and mind opened to the beauty of the cross and its power as well? What difference is the word of the cross making in me today?
God, as this day begins- I consider again the immeasurable price paid for my redemption. Please overlook my shortcomings and empower me today to walk in holiness as an offering to You of thank offering for Jesus life, death and resurrection. Oh, that I might share the word of the cross with someone who has never understood its power unto salvation. Jesus is my hero.
