“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)
Please note: it’s the word of the cross that strikes some people as folly, and not the cross itself. The world has a weird ability to justify punishment, suffering, and death. Such crosses are necessary, people say, to discipline society, or to strengthen our character, or to make us appreciate our blessings. Something in the human soul wants to make the cross reasonable.
But the word of the cross, the preaching of Christ crucified—now here is something wholly unreasonable. This word proclaims that rule and might, wisdom and power belong to the One whose cross did nothing good. Who shall dare to justify the murder of God’s Son? The word of the cross renders all explanations absurd and unmasks the foolishness of the human race. What horror to hear that the salvation of our race comes from such absurdity!
Yet to you who are being saved, surely this word is the power of God. By the proclamation of Christ’s absurd death, you are given a Savior who redeems you in your own foolishness. For now, having risen from the death that did nothing good, He has the authority to bind or release those who do nothing good—and for you, His word is, “Release!”
LET US PRAY: Speak Your word into my flesh daily, O Lord, that my body and soul would revive in faith, endure in hope, and shine with love, to the glory of Your Name. Amen
Pastor Steven K. Gjerde
Zion, Wausau
