Saturday, March 22, 2014
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
THE CROSS: OUR ONLY GLORY
As prideful humans, we boast of wisdom. Look at all the things we've discovered and built. We're so wise.
As prideful humans, we boast of strength. Look how far I can jump, or how high. Look how long I can run, or how fast. Look how strong I am.
As prideful humans, we boast of our riches. Look how extravagant I can be. I've got so much money in the bank, such extensive properties, such lavish estates.
And these look impressive up close. But when we draw back, these things look less impressive. Man's extensive knowledge is only a gathering of observations, observations of things that already were when we were born. Viewed from an orbiting satellite the athlete's high jump doesn't look so impressive. And those riches, well, just wait a few centuries and see what becomes of them.
Wisdom, strength, riches -- these all come to nothing when a person is lowered into the grave.
But the cross of Christ is the opposite. Up close it looks humble. But when we draw back and gain perspective, it become only more impressive. Foretold from the beginning, the Savior finally came to offer himself on that cross. On it he gained forgiveness and salvation for all sinners of all time. And the gift of forgiveness is accompanied by the gift of eternal life. The cross transcends all human wisdom, strength, and riches because it comes from God.
This should be our mindset: What of my wisdom? Others are wiser. What of my strength? It has its limits. What of my riches? They'll be gone in time. But the cross of Christ? That is my glory. It was beyond me to save myself, but through the cross God has done it. Why waste time bragging about some piddly thing I've done, when I can point to the astounding thing God has done for all?
