THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS - DAILY DEVOTION

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

46 DAYS TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

“We preach Christ crucified…”

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-31

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

REFLECTION: As I stood outside the University of Illinois Student Union Building preaching the Gospel to a group of skeptical fellow students I was struck by the sheer improbability of the message I so confidently proclaimed. 

I quoted the Scriptures to prove that Christ was born of a virgin, crucified, dead and buried. I preached that Christ rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is coming again. But in the empirical world of science, the material world of business, and the heady world of philosophy, my message bounced off the walls of those impressive buildings sounding more like a fairy tale than Gospel truth.

What kept Paul preaching at Athens—the cradle of philosophy? 

What kept him preaching in Rome—the most powerful capital in the ancient world?  

Why did he return again and again to Jerusalem—the Holy City?  

Why was he so tireless in proclaiming Christ? 

Paul knew what we have found to be true:  The preaching of the Cross is “the power of God” to all them who are saved.  

Science cannot change our nature.  

Business cannot transform our desires. 

Philosophy cannot answer the deepest needs of the human heart. 

But Christ crucified, buried, and risen can do all of that and so much more!

PRAYER: Our Father, How grateful we are today for your amazing Love!  “How can it be?  That thou, my God shoulds’t die for me?”  We pray that your great love for us, would incite us to greater love for you.  May your wisdom, your righteousness, your sanctification, and your redemption be ours through the shed blood of Christ.  We glory only in you Lord!  We know that we are blessed to be a blessing.  May it be so throughout this day. In the name above every name, the name of Jesus, Amen.