The Preaching of the Cross is the Power of God
For to those who are perishing, the preaching of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
People are fascinated with optical illusions. One I especially remember is a picture that looks like a vase to some people, but looks like a face to others. It is exactly the same picture, but can be seen in different ways.
The gospel is like that. To unbelievers, the cross is seen as nothing more than a disgusting and revolting symbol of needless suffering. Their reasoning is that no loving God would require such pain and anguish in order to appease His sense of justice. Surely there should be a different way to satisfy God’s demands. And many of them go their way, dismissive of God’s claims upon their lives. Many others ignore God, immersing themselves in the diversions and distractions the world has to offer. Any thoughts of eternity or the idea of negative consequences for their actions are quickly pushed aside by the clamor of the culture.
Proverbs 14:12 tells us that men think they know the right way, but it leads to death. They regard feelings or circumstances as having the ultimate authority in their lives, and they disregard any warnings that cause them inconvenience or discomfort. The Bible says the way is broad that leads to destruction.
But those who are being saved regard the preaching of the cross completely differently. To them, the cross is not a place of shame, but a place of rescue. It is not a symbol of defeat, but a herald of victory. Instead of avoiding it, they embrace it. For them it is not a decoration, but a declaration of Christ’s triumph over death, hell and the grave.
Sin has the power to separate people from God, but the cross brings humanity back to God. Sin leaves a stain; the cross washes all the stains of guilt away. Death is cruel, but the power of the love of God expressed in the cross overcomes the cruelty of death with the certainty of eternal life. The world says it is foolishness, but to every believer who has ever experienced the life-giving virtue of the cross of Christ, it is the power of God in operation. It is the power that was necessary to pry them loose from the grip of a relentless adversary, and bring them back to fellowship and relationship with the God who loved them enough to send a Savior to die for them.
Men may boast of harnessing and using all kinds of power—political power, financial power, solar power, nuclear power—but all of them pale in comparison to the power of God displayed in the cross.
O Lord, direct our steps this day into the way of peace, and strengthen our hearts to obey your commandments. May the Dayspring visit us from on high, and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, that they may adore you for your mercy, follow you for your truth, desire you for your sweetness, for you are the blessed Lord God of Earth, now and forever. Amen.
Further Reading
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
- 1 Timothy 6:5
- Romans 1:16
- Psalm 49:15
