The Great Definer

For 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 (NKJV)

One way or another, each person on the planet is defined by the cross. That's the powerful point being made by the Apostle Paul as he begins his letter to the Church of Corinth. He says that the message of the cross is going to strike a person one of two ways. They'll either see it as something very foolish, or they'll see it as a demonstration of God's power. And what's more, the way a person sees the cross goes a long way in defining them.

Think about it. If you're perspective is natural, if all you see when you look at the cross is a simple Jewish man that's been stripped, mocked, beaten, and executed...you aren't going to be very impressed by it. But if on the other hand your perspective is supernatural, if you see the Son of God willingly submitting and sacrificing Himself in order to save us from the wrath that our sins deserved...you're going to see the cross quite differently.

Either way, the cross defines all of us. It "outs" us like few things can. Our reaction reveals whether our perspective is natural or supernatural, earthly-minded or heavenly-minded, perishing or saved.

Which begs the question: What do you see when you look at the cross? Do you see something foolish or something powerful? Do you just see a man, or do you see the Son of God? Are you filled with a sense of confusion, or are you infused with contrition because you understand what God has done for you? Don't forget, the way you answer says a lot about you.

Think about it…

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?