Paul proclaims this cross is a stumbling block to Jews and folly to gentiles, BUT to those
who are called it is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
This cross is set before us so no man might boast in the presence of God. God made
Christ the source of our life. He has been made our wisdom, our righteousness, our
sanctification, and our redemption. Therefore, it is written, Let the one who boasts,
boast in the Lord.
My studies from Isaiah 53, Philippians 2, show me a picture of this man, Jesus, who,
though he was in the form of God, made himself nothing. Taking on the form of a
servant, he humbled himself by becoming obedient unto the death on the cross.
The commentary from Keli and Deitsch, point out that this tender shoot who grew up
like a root out of a dry ground, was despised and rejected by men. “The chief men of his
nation who towered above the multitude, the great men of this world withdrew their
hands from him. Drew back from him. He had none of the men of any distinction at his
side”.
We thrive on significance in this world. We seek the honour and approval that comes
from men. Bigger is better, and more is always an indicator of success isn’t it? We
know from the gospel that Jesus did not look for glory from man and cautioned his
disciples to not seek it.
His cross is the divine exchange for all mankind and one we must identify with in order
to serve Him properly. We preach not ourselves BUT Christ crucified and ourselves
your servants for his sake. The cross reminds us of who Jesus was and what He was
willing to give for mankind and He asks nothing less from us; a willingness to serve the
Father and by love serve others by the laying down of our lives for them.
Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of
our testimony because we love not our lives even unto death. In other words, the cross
is our identification with all things in this world that must be suffered to do the will of
God.
Jesus is our example of humility and obedience unto the death of our flesh.
For the joy set before Him, he endured.
There is a message that leads to life and the abundance of all things that Jesus has
provided for us. It is Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God.
What do I need in my life ~ the power of the cross.
What wisdom do I need? It’s in the message of the cross.
What is the message of the cross but humility and obedience that serves mankind.
Let us preach Christ crucified and help the body of Christ understand the power that is
in the crucified life.