A Strange Thing to Do
1 Corinthians 1:18,19 The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will confuse the understanding of the intelligent.”
In a world dominated by winning, the idea that loss can be a good thing is something of an anathema. And yet, throughout human history, loss has forged characters, changed nations and … well, much, much more.
Just about every country in the world sets one day aside each year that has something to do both with its national identity and with overcoming struggle. Many celebrate some form of independence day. America has its Memorial Day. The Brits celebrate Armistice Day.
But on this day each year, the New Zealanders and the Australians do something very strange. Whilst others typically celebrate their victories, we on this day commemorate a terrible defeat. We remember our 36,000 casualties suffered during the WWI battle in Turkey on the Gallipoli Peninsula. What a strange thing to do.
And yet this terrible loss speaks powerfully into the birth of two national identities. Christians, actually, also do a strange thing. They too celebrate a terrible loss, the death of Jesus on that Cross.
1 Corinthians 1:18,19 The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will confuse the understanding of the intelligent.”
Celebrating a loss can seem foolish. But just as the terrible loss of Gallipoli forged the character of two nations, so the crucifixion of Jesus has saved countless lost souls and ushered them into an eternity with Him.
I don’t know how you feel about Jesus’ sacrifice on that Cross for you, but it is the power to breathe new life into you. It is the power to save your soul. It is a defeat that delivers you victory, for all eternity. Jesus.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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