Daily Feast Devotional - The Message of the Cross

Daily Feast Devotional from JesusWired.com

"The message of the cross..."
by David C. Coleman

“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.” - 1 Corinthians 1:18

Today is Easter…the day that Jesus conquered death and rose from the dead. Today is a day Christians celebrate a miracle unrivaled in history. Three days prior to that fateful day when Jesus emerged from a sealed tomb in victory over death, He was hung on a cross to die. Three days prior Jesus died the death of a common criminal. He was beaten mercilessly for the “heresy” of claiming He was God in the flesh.

In biblical times, Jews were required to sacrifice the best they had to offer as a payment for sin – typically the best specimen amongst their livestock. The message of the cross is this: Jesus, a man without sin, became that sin sacrifice for the sins of the world. He symbolically became the lamb that was slain in payment for all of humanity’s sin. He stood in our place and took all the punishment we deserve as imperfect beings – beings prone to sin. Acknowledging the fact that Jesus died for his or her sins and rose from the dead three days later gives assurance to the believer that he or she will one day join Jesus in heaven to live eternally. The world sees this belief as foolish. Many believe there is no God. Others believe Jesus was “just a man” or “a great prophet”. But He was much more than that. The power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who believe is evidence of the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Easter is a day of victory. Easter is day on which God gave us the opportunity to establish a personal relationship with Jesus. No…Jesus is by no means dead. He lives in the hearts of those who call him Savior. Are you one of these people? Have you experienced the victory Jesus has provided for each and every one of us?

Lord Jesus, I pray that if there is anyone out there reading this who doesn’t know you as Savior, You will bind the work of the enemy in their life and open their eyes so they can see the magnitude of the sacrifice that was made on their behalf. Soften their heart. Show them that the world has nothing to offer them except broken promises and empty dreams. Speak to their spirit in a way that they have never known before. Shine Your light upon their life. Let them know that they are not “too dirty” or “too bad” to receive the free gift of salvation. Let them know that you accept them just as they are right this minute. Forgiveness is there for the asking, no matter how bad the sin. All it takes is a humble heart. A tired, haggard life can be made new. Restoration is available, but it is only available through you, Jesus.

If this is you, please pray the following prayer:

Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Thank you for taking my place and taking the punishment I deserve. I believe you are God’s only son who came down from heaven to live amongst us in the flesh. I believe you died on the cross and rose from the dead. I confess my sins to you right now and ask to be forgiven. Make me new. I want to be one of your very own children. Thank you, Lord, for drawing me unto you. Amen.