The cross is God’s power at work in our lives.

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“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” 
John 3:14-15 English Standard Version

I remember the day that I used to literally look down on my sons. I’m six feet tall and shrinking. Not that tall, but not short either. Yet, when my children were growing up, I probably seemed like a monster to them.

All three of my sons now look down on me. My youngest son is the tallest at somewhere around six feet five inches. I’m now looking up at them (in more ways than their height). I’m amazed at the men that they have become.

God calls us to look up at his cross.

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” 
1 Corinthians 1:18 New Living Translation

The world looks down on the cross. The cross reminds the world that life has been devastated by sin. It has corrupted everyone. This is not a message the world wants to hear. The world tells itself that we can handle all of our problems, that we simply make mistakes, and that everyone goes to heaven. That is not the message of the cross.

We look up to the cross because we understand that Jesus, the One who died on that cross, bore the shame of our sin and has graciously given us the gifts that bring life even into this dying world. We look up to the cross and stand amazed that God has done so much for us. That cross is empty and we have the promise of life.

Lord Jesus Christ, I stand at the foot of your cross looking up to you, the crucified and resurrected one. May I never cease to stand amazed at the message of your cross. Amen.

Text and Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner