Scripture reading: Galatians 3:13–14

The Crux of the Matter

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

 

In the first century, the cross was associated with shame, pain and weakness. It was something to avoid at all costs!

Only a fool would be attracted by a cross. Only a madman would embrace it! How then did this instrument of execution become the most loved of all Christian symbols? Yes, indeed, how? The mystery of the Gospel is precisely here! When Jesus Christ freely offered up his life on the cross, the power of love triumphed over the love of power. The world through its wisdom could not find God. The world

through its power could not break the tyranny of sin. The cross is the wisdom and power of God! Blessed foolishness that makes us wise! Blessed weakness that makes us strong! The cross shows us how to live by teaching us  how to  die! I have been crucified with Christ.  The  life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave  himself for me. His cross was no mistake. Neither is mine! God forbid that I should boast in any- thing else!  Thank God for the cross!

 

Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, “Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not.—Martin Luther

 

point to ponder • Without the cross there is no salvation.

prayer focus • Thankfulness that Jesus willingly came to be our righteousness.