"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

We've all been there. Ridiculed for our faith. Mocked for our stand for righteousness. It is absolutely true that to those who don't know Christ, the preaching of the cross is foolishness. In fact, one way to tell whether or not someone has a relationship with Jesus is to consider whether or not they love the preaching of the cross.

The cross represents beauty—the beauty of God's mercy and forgiveness.

The cross also represents ugliness—the reproach of sin which our Saviour bore in our stead.

The power of His love toward us is wrapped up in the preaching of the cross. A love that never dies or dims with age. A love that never withers away. A love that won't grow stale or wear out. A love that is divine, perfect, and holy. That's the love of our Lord expressed in the power of the cross.

Allow the power of His love to pierce your heart today, to once again do a refreshing and cleansing that will encourage you, build you up, and equip you for whatever He has purposed for you.

Father, I love the story of the cross. I love to share it. I love to hear it. It brings me back to the point where I am reminded again how much I need You. And, even more so, it communicates the depth of love You have toward me. I am so thankful for Your sacrifice, so in awe of the lengths You went to in order to make a way for me. The preaching of the cross … may it ever be my life's theme. Amen!

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11)

© Jan Ross
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