1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV
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.
The cross of Christ is remarkable. The very same event can ignite such completely different responses in the hearts of humanity. For the believer there’s awe, reverence, and immense gratitude. For many unbelievers there’s disdain, mockery and contempt. May reading this verse spark a deep empathy for the unsaved, and compassion for those that believe we are entertaining fairy tales and fables. We all have family, friends and coworkers that think our faith is foolish, that look upon the cross with apathy, misunderstanding and disbelief. Understand that empathy is more than just feeling sorry for someone. Empathy joins hands with relatability. It’s remembering that we too, before being saved, looked upon the cross with no regard. We too didn’t understand the tremendous act of love the God of the universe performed on our behalf.
If we want to be used to plant seeds of the salvation message throughout the world; we can never allow God’s message of love to ever become commonplace in our life. John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The message of the cross is not only powerful, it’s saturated and overflowing with love, mercy and grace.
Many unbelievers wrestle with a Jewish carpenter crucified two thousand years ago, having a profound impact on their eternal destination. As the scripture reveals it’s utter foolishness to the unbelieving heart. The struggle lies in the fact that the cross of Christ requires a verdict, a response. The unsaved are faced with the issue of accountability. For them to understand that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross pays for their sin debt; they must first believe their sin offends a Holy God. That their sin is worthy of divine wrath. It’s difficult to comprehend they’re a sinner in a culture that celebrates wickness with parties and parades. However, if they believe in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection they’d be taken from sinner to saint and their eyes would be opened to the power of the cross. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to remove spiritual blindness. He’s willing to save and transform every single aspect of their lives. With the swoop of His mighty and powerful hand; He can deliver them, as He did us, out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His dearly beloved Son (Col. 1:13).
As Christians this is not new to us. So, how do we make an impact? Prayer. Prayer is the single greatest tool for change we’ve ever been given. An invitation has been provided to us, by the blood of the Lamb. To enter the Throne Room of God boldly to receive grace and mercy for ourselves and our unsaved family, friends and coworkers. Enter with reverence and awe, and ask for their souls.
Pause: Have you ever gotten to the place where the Gospel of Christ has become common? Have you ever thought, “Someone else will tell them about Jesus.” Ask God to forgive you and give you a lovinging boldness to share His Word.
Practice: Consider who in your life needs the saving truth of the Gospel message.
Make a written list of those that view the cross as foolish. Practice empathy, patience and grace when communicating the Gospel to your unsaved family, friends and coworkers. Remember their beliefs, behaviors and choices are the result of blinded eyes. Jesus Christ did not give up on us. May we pray with great diligence, and patience for those that are lost. Keep the Faith and press on with the Gospel message.
Pray: Dear Lord, I pray for hearts to soften and eyes to be opened to the truth and beauty of Your message of salvation. Only You, Holy Spirit can transform my loved ones. Please give me the words to communicate life, hope, and truth. Remind me, I can’t change anyone’s mind. I can only share the Gospel and pray, the rest is in Your hands. Deliver them from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Your glorious light. In Jesus name, Amen.
