The Power of the Cross
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
The cross is the power of God, but how does the cross give God’s power to us? How can we take the cross of Jesus and let it change our heart? God is the one who changes us, and the center of that change is the cross, because it reveals the love of God. It reveals how important you are to God, how much he loves you, how much he wants to bless you and to be with you forever in heaven.
The center of our Christian life is God’s love as revealed from the cross. God came to earth and lived a humble serving life. Jesus reveals the heart of God, showing us how to have life to the full, and he died on the cross for our sins. Jesus arose three days later, walked the earth for 40 days, and ascended into heaven where the Father has given him all authority on earth and heaven. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, (Philippians 2:8-9).
Now picture God the Father seeing his Son beaten and crucified, knowing his Son was enduring the pain in obedience to the Father for the purpose of redeeming mankind. The Father desperately wants us to accept his Son as our Lord, knowing the price the Father and Son paid to save us. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32) The emotional and physical pain the Father and the Son went through, all because of the love they have for you and me. When that love pierces our heart, it changes our heart.
The power of the cross is the God’s love in our hearts. The power of this love gives us security in Christ, knowing heaven is our home, and motivates us to live for Christ. If you love me, keep my commands, (John 14:15) The power of the cross changes our heart as we identify with Lord’s heart. God looks at our heart and walking in obedience to his will, he changes our heart with his perfect love.
Through the power of the cross we endure hardship in life because the love in our heart tells us God will carry us through any and every mountain and valley in life and into heaven with him forever. We can live with the peace that transcends understanding with our hope in Christ and our heart in eternity. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) Christians have no need to fear, our souls are protected by Christ and we all live in victory. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) The power of the cross gives us victory in Christ.
Today remember the love the Father and the Son have for you as revealed through the cross. Remember the Lord wants to bless you, give you life to the full, and bring you to your heavenly home where life is beyond perfect, living with our Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Lord thank you for saving me through your sacrifice on the cross. Let the cross pierce my heart filling me with your divine love, casting out all fear that comes from Satan. Let the world around me see your love, peace, security, and confidence. Help me to be a light for Christ in this troubled world. In Jesus name, Amen