It is not foolishness

1 Corinthian 1:18 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.

Isn't it totally amazing how to people can have such diverging views? How can something be so precious to one and abhorrent to another? I remember having a conversation about the Christian faith with some one a long time ago. "I just don't understand the 'blood' thing?" What kind of God would kill his own Son? To this person, the cross was an act of a cruel God exacting pain and suffering because of our mistakes. All the more reason for this person not to accept the teachings of the Bible. Somehow, I don't think this person is alone. In fact, it is the common response of those outside the faith.

But why is it so precious to us who believe? The difference is that believers apply it to themselves personally. If you just look at the crucifixion of Christ as an event ordained by God with no application, then it will look like a cruel tragedy that makes no sense. But when a soul applies it to themselves, it takes on a new light. Yes, the cross was a primitive cruel act. But that violent death was allowed for my sake. It was an act of love by God through Christ to save me from eternal misery. Because of that cross, I will be forever in perfect divine bliss and happiness. In eternity, I will never sorrow again. There will be no more pain or suffering. I will be freed from sin and will love as I was originally intended to. I will see my God face to face and enjoy the fulness of his kindness forever!

When I apply the cross to myself, I don't see a mean God, but a God who so loved me that He allowed his one and only divine Son to come in human flesh and free me of my guilt. His love was so great that He broke his own heart by giving up his beloved Son for my sake.

Those who look at the cross as foolishness, fail to look further. If they did, they would see that the Son of God willingly took on the punishment of our sin. It was a sacrificial act of love, not a senseless event. And looking even further, they would see that it was not possible that death would keep it's hold on Jesus. The Father raised him from the dead and He is crowned in heaven with glory and honor as Lord of all. He was raised to highest position, at the Father's right hand, where He reigns forever and ever and where at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. To those who see only foolishness, we say, "Come join the celebration!"