Topic: I Corinthians 1:18 [John Hagee Devotional 14 April 2020]

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

How peculiar that the place where Jesus was brutally crucified has become a tree of triumph for those who believe! The cross has become a beautiful symbol used in art, jewelry, and decorations.

To the first-century church, the cross was recognized as a tool of torture, a death sentence. Rome preferred this method of execution. Anyone who witnessed the gruesomeness of crucifixion realized that Rome was not to be resisted. Yet, Jesus’ followers took the cross as their symbol of worship – foolishness to the unbelievers!

Graphic portrayals of Jesus’ journey to Calvary abound. He was arrested, taken, and crucified. However, Jesus made it clear in John 10:18 that no one took His life from Him. He chose to lay it down!

He was not arrested; He submitted. He was not taken; He gave Himself. He hung on a tree, but it was not nails that held Him there; it was His love for you and me. He could have called ten thousand angels to come to His rescue.

More than a symbol, the cross is our source of triumph, our place of victory! The message of the cross is the power of God to those of us who are being saved.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. Give thanks for the forgiveness, restoration, and new beginnings that are found in the cross of Christ. May you freely share its message every day in every way to everyone!

Today’s Bible Reading:

Old Testament

Joshua 9:3-10:43

New Testament

Luke 16:19-17:10

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 83:1-18

Proverbs 13:4