Rev. Johnson V.
29th August 2010

As believers of Christ, we have probably been to the foot of the cross at some point in our lives. We probably met our Saviour there. But the message of the cross is more than salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:22 – 24 (NIV) “Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who, God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”.

Jewish people, in the verse above, represent the religious segment of the world. The religious-minded seek signs, while the spiritual-minded seek God. A sign is a request for authentication or validation. The word signature is derived from the word ‘sign’. We, being human, go back on our word so often that we are required to attest documents etc with our signature. But God is truth, His Word is never false. Yet, the Jews (religious-minded) demanded a sign. They were basically asking God for proof before they put their trust in Him. The greatest sign that God could ever give us, is the cross. It was on the cross that He suffered and died for our sins.

But the cross was a stumbling block to the Jews. They did not accept Jesus as the Messiah because He did not fit into their mould of what the Messiah would do. They were looking for political freedom but Christ came so that we might have life everlasting. Sometimes we also insist that God proves Himself through a sign and the way we do it is by wanting God to do what we want Him to do, not what He wants to do. Isn’t it better to grow in our faith and believe that He is faithful and trustworthy? Tradition demands signs and wonders. Faith brings maturity that says,’ I believe You and Your Word, irrespective of what is going wrong in my life.’

The Greeks were philosophers who lived for today and did not think about tomorrow. They idolized wisdom and were constantly on the lookout for more knowledge. But all their philosophies, debates and discussions did not lead them to fruitful action. Talking about the truth and living in the light of the truth are two very different things. The Greeks wanted to know more, but their wisdom was not accompanied by corresponding action. The power of God is revealed in our lives only when we study the Bible with the intention of transforming ourselves. His power is not displayed when we study the Bible for information only - Mark 12:24. Let us stop talking about Him and start talking to Him, building an everlasting relationship that begins at the cross. Let us believe His Word and see His power bear fruit in our lives.

The cross is the core message or the foundation of our faith. The cross is not something to merely look at or admire, but we are called to pick it up and carry it into every aspect of our lives and walk with it to eternity. We must carry the cross the way He wants us to carry it and not just the way we want to. We receive our justification and rewards through the cross alone.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me.

In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.