THE CROSS OF CHRIST

"The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" -- 1 Corinthians 1:18

Devotion 3 of 13

THE CENTRALITY OF THE CROSS

Something of the singular power of the cross is seen in Paul's approach to it. When confronting the wise of this world, he determined to focus his attention upon something that contradicted the wisdom of the world. "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1-2). Do not miss what Paul said. He does not say he was determined not to PREACH anything but Christ and Him crucified! He was determined not to KNOW anything among them but Christ and Him crucified! His thinking was molded by the Person and vicarious death of the Lord Jesus Christ. That puts the cross where it belongs--at the very heart of thinking.

But what does that mean? How can one be determined to know only Christ and Him crucified? Paul did speak of other things, ranging from domestic responsibilities to the resurrection of the dead. His perception of these things, however, was shaped by his contemplation of "Christ and Him crucified." That was the hub around which his productive mind functioned. Here was the sanctuary in which thoughts were brought into harmony with God. When he addressed a subject, he did so from the perspective of the cross. The matter of duty was expounded from the foot of the cross. He delineated the benefits of salvation while standing in the shadow of the cross. "Christ and Him crucified" was the pole star that shed light on everything else, and from which he drew his power.

When the cross of Christ is not understood, flaw permeates every aspect of thought. Conversely, insight here brings clarity and spirituality to judgment and consideration. The cross of Christ exposes us to God, the Son of God, the offspring of God (man), and the enemy of God (Satan). Here we see the Divine view of man and sin. We also see Satan's view of God and man. Though disconcerting, we also see man's view of God and the things of God. It is a wise decision indeed to determine to know nothing but "Christ and Him crucified."

Christ and Him crucified relates to "the death of Christ," "the blood of Christ," the giving of "Himself," and everything associated with them. This is "the fountain" that has been "opened for sin and uncleanness" (Zech 13:1). The guilt of humanity is addressed by the cross, as well as its reclamation and usefulness to God. Everything that is seen through the cross is clarified.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the power of the cross, and for the central position in which You have placed it. In Jesus' name, give me grace to honor the cross by placing it at the center of my knowledge.

-- Tomorrow: THE PLACE OF THE CURSE --