Devotion:
As you read through the letters of Paul in the New Testament, at times you find him having to defend himself against those who said that his claims and his teaching were not from God. The early part of the first letter to the Christians in Corinth is one of those places. Here, the primary argument he uses for defending his teaching is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He says that was his focus as he taught among them: “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Still today, I sometimes hear from some in the Church around the world that we don’t need to focus so much on the Cross of Christ. While I understand their concern to some degree, I maintain that the sacrificial love of Christ is at the very core of our message and the cross is the central image of that love. It is that symbol that reminds us of this God who comes to be with us in the midst of our suffering, injustice and pain. To be the people of God means that we also are willing to sacrifice for the good of others.
I remember an old song from my past that was titled “The Way Of The Cross Leads Home.” It is a good reminder to me that before we get to the victory of Easter, the journey goes through the cross. And even on that cross, Jesus’ final words were like a shout of victory: “It is finished!”
Paul says that one of the ways we know that Christians are being legitimate in their representation of Christ is if their message and their lives reveal sacrificial love. That was true in the first century. It still is today.
Personal Worship Option:
When our current United Methodist hymnal was first published, one of the songs that immediately became a favorite of mine was “Lift High The Cross.” It is written by George Kitchin and Michael Newbolt. Here is one verse and the chorus for you to reflect on today:
Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign.
The hosts of God in unity combine.
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
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