The message of the cross on which Jesus died is like no other message. It is unique and powerful; it is a mystery, yet clearly discernible. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1.18). For those who know not Christ as Savior, for those not understanding the bondage of sin and the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse and forgive all sin, for those who have not known the unconditional love of God in giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sin, for those who trust in themselves alone or a man-originated religious belief, the cross is foolishness; to them it makes no sense.
But for us who are saved, we know the incredible power of God demonstrated on the cross: the power that forgives, cleanses, and converts, the power that transforms and gives hope, the power that opens eyes and hearts. The message of the cross of Christ is like no other, for none other can copy the claims of the cross; no other message removes the chains from a child of Satan, frees him, delivers him, and makes him a child of God. No other message has the power to transform, to completely change, to make new, and to give life to one who is spiritually dead. No other message has its origin in the Eternal, Almighty, Sovereign God; no other message has clear hope; no other message has remarkable redeeming love. On the cross of Calvary Jesus died to forgive us of all sin, to declare us righteous before the throne of the One and Only True and Holy God. In this day and every day of life our Lord graciously gives, may our joy, hope, and motivation be known in the powerful, loving, gracious, message of the cross of Christ. For those who do not know the saving power of Jesus, may you humbly surrender at the foot of the cross, repent and be cleansed of sin by His shed blood; may what once seemed to be folly and useless, become the joy of your salvation, giving new hope in life.
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down –
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Isaac Watts
Knowing the power of the cross – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 