MAY 02, 2024
Topic: THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS – I
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Romans 1:16-17
Memory Verse: “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” – (1 Cor. 1:18 NLT).
The message of salvation preached as the good news has the Redeemer and Saviour at its core as well as the human race from all over the world; those called by grace and mercy to faith (Eph. 2:8; Isaiah 55:1-3). That call is gentle yet optional and at the hearer’s freewill. The text before us shows the mental reception of the message to two major classes of people: those who reject and those who believe.
The message is simple, yet deeply spiritual. Faith beyond human reasoning plays a critical role here, because a rational human being will wonder what exactly the salvation, redemption and death of a man mean? Some (especially Moslems) have even denied entirely the whole “death on the cross” as a non-event and a sham, because according to them, “they neither killed nor crucified him [Messiah Jesus, the prophet of Allah]. It was only made to appear that way…. they did not kill him – no. Allah lifted him up to himself” (Surat An- Nisa [4], 157-159).
To you, believer, the suffering and death of your Saviour means many things to you. First it is the central, the core of your faith (1 Cor. 15:3), such that His wounds, bruises, chastisements and stripes guarantee your redemption from your many transgressions and commands your healing (Isa. 53:5).
Secondly, the message calls you to live a life of humility and sacrifice. Your Redeemer being in the form of God made Himself of no reputation, humbled Himself and remained obedient to His calling to die on the cross (Phil. 2:5-8).
Lastly, the message guarantees you eternal life by faith after this world in which you are mocked, persecuted and shamed. You are assured by Your Redeemer of entering into glory with Him (John 12:23-26; Luke 23:43); a place where there will not be a second death, weeping, sorrow, sickness or pain (Rev. 21:1-5) and where you can escape the destruction meant for rebellious souls! (Rev. 20:12-15).
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I repent of my unbelief and rebellion to your words. I confess with my mouth and wholly believe in my heart, the good news that You indeed died for my sins. I decide from today, to walk in the newness of my faith so that after this mortal pilgrimage, I will enter into glory with You, Amen