Jacob Robertson

…but we preach Christ crucified…

1 Corinthians 18:23

The message of the cross is lunacy and absurd for the perishing. A stumbling block for the sage. An offensive display of death. The world’s standard of wisdom glances upon the cross and turns its back. Walking away he shouts, “The gospel is foolish!” But for the redeemed? The message of the cross is the gospel – the Truth that saves! Jesus Christ crucified is the power of God on mighty display! The saint glances upon the cross and moves his eyes no more for he knows the cross represents freedom! The punishment due to man has been fully carried out on that cross. King Jesus was crushed for you and me. Friend, the unregenerate find folly in the cross. The sick who see no need for healing turn away the doctor’s cure. I can hear it said, “I’m not sick! How foolish is medicine to the healthy.” Despite the doctor’s plea to accept the cure for dawning death, he argues and opposes and runs away from the truth of his condition. The world’s wisest sinner considers it folly when Christ crucified is preached. But take what Paul writes to the church at Corinth, “…the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” May the God who demonstrates His love for us by placing the wrath we’re due on His one and only Son, open the eyes of the foolish and bring them unto Himself.   

And to the ambassador of the gospel…surrender yourself to the Message. Search your heart and know the power of God’s glorious testimony does not rely in your ability to speak with lofty words or charismatic displays of communication. Decide, as Paul did, to “know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Make the substance of your preaching and teaching one that so glaringly points to Christ that no listener can walk away from such a moment questioning the essence of the Truth. Preacher, your weakness, or fear, or trembling – they have no effect on the power of the gospel. Proclaim it confidently! The Spirit of the Living God will compensate where His human orators fall short.