"The Heart of the Cross"

18) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19) As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”[a] 20) So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21) Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22) It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23) So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24) But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles,[b] Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25) This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26) Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy[c] when God called you. 27) Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28) God chose things despised by the world,[d] things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29) As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
30) God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31) Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”[e]  1Cor. 1: 18 - 31 (NLT)

Consider how illogical Jesus’ crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.  Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character.

First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.

In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.

One last benefit of God’s remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.

Though the cross seems absurd to those who don’t understand, God’s children know it is the Father’s wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope.
 
BE BLESSED!
 
DAWN