TUESDAY, APRIL 18
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
Romans 1:16-17

"For the preaching of the cross…
is the power of God."

THE WORD OF THE CROSS

The term "preaching" in 1 Corinthians 1:18 comes from the Greek logos, meaning "word," "knowledge" or "message." This same word is used in verse 17 in the expression "wisdom of words." Paul was engaging in some wordplay here. He was contrasting the words (logoi) of men with the Word (logos) of God. Surely there is no comparison! The Word of God far exceeds the words of finite men.

Nevertheless, the unregenerate world views the cross very differently. In Roman times, only the worst of criminals were crucified on the cross, a symbol of humiliation. Nobody wanted to be associated with the cross. Therefore, the perishing man will reject the message of the cross. He will think: "How can the Saviour of the world be hanged on the shameful cross? It is utter foolishness." He would rather hang on to his own wisdom than acknowledge God’s way of salvation!

On the other hand, the cross holds a very different meaning for us who are regenerated. Instead of being a symbol of shame, we embrace it as a symbol of salvation and glory. Romans 1:16-17 restates this truth beautifully: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." The Word of the cross is for both the Jew and the Greek (i.e. the Greek-speaking world, the Gentiles). Man may have power, but his power is nothing compared to the power of the omnipotent God. God’s power can cause a dead man to be alive again. This is power that can deliver a man from his sins. No man or creature has the power to give life to the dead! All that is needed is for man to believe. The gospel is offered to all without exception. Sadly, the natural man would rather hang on to his wisdom and his pride than submit to the superior wisdom of God. Is that not foolishness?

THOUGHT: I love the old rugged cross.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to preach the Word of the cross.