Power in Powerless Places
Death on a cross. We know this as a symbol of God’s love, but when Jesus was walking the earth, it was not seen this way. It was a gruesome death reserved for criminals, one of the worst punishments of that time.
Before we take a closer look at the cross, let’s take a moment to invite God here with us today.
Jesus, there aren’t words enough to thank You for the sacrifice You made for me, for the freedom I have because of what You went through. I invite You into this space today, and ask You to open my mind and heart to receive the words You have for me. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)
18 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.
To the world, the cross looked like defeat, humiliation. Especially when Jesus lived here. It was the worst form of punishment. The crowd thought Jesus was defeated and done for, that they were watching the wasted, pointless death of a man who came to change the world, all the while proclaiming to be God. They thought Him to be powerless, unable to save Himself.
But for us, the cross is something spectacular! It is a sign of hope and forgiveness. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, gave up His life so we could be free of our sin. God showed His power through the life and resurrection of His Son.
Jesus took our punishment on the cross. It seemed to be Him handing over His power to die, but three days later, He ROSE AGAIN! Death couldn’t hold Him. God’s power shined through a powerless situation.
Do you see how God’s power is displayed through this sacrifice?
Do you have a situation you feel powerless in, one you could relinquish to God and let His power take over?
Take some time to reflect on these questions. Be honest with God about any fears or doubts you may be feeling. Finish your prayer time today with thanks!
Father, we don’t deserve the redemption Your Son brought us. Thank You for that gift!
Go forward today in thanksgiving, knowing that the power of God has prevailed for generations. The cross, as foolish as it may seem to the world, gives us hope and a future beyond this life.
Before we take a closer look at the cross, let’s take a moment to invite God here with us today.
Jesus, there aren’t words enough to thank You for the sacrifice You made for me, for the freedom I have because of what You went through. I invite You into this space today, and ask You to open my mind and heart to receive the words You have for me. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)
18 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.
To the world, the cross looked like defeat, humiliation. Especially when Jesus lived here. It was the worst form of punishment. The crowd thought Jesus was defeated and done for, that they were watching the wasted, pointless death of a man who came to change the world, all the while proclaiming to be God. They thought Him to be powerless, unable to save Himself.
But for us, the cross is something spectacular! It is a sign of hope and forgiveness. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, gave up His life so we could be free of our sin. God showed His power through the life and resurrection of His Son.
Jesus took our punishment on the cross. It seemed to be Him handing over His power to die, but three days later, He ROSE AGAIN! Death couldn’t hold Him. God’s power shined through a powerless situation.
Do you see how God’s power is displayed through this sacrifice?
Do you have a situation you feel powerless in, one you could relinquish to God and let His power take over?
Take some time to reflect on these questions. Be honest with God about any fears or doubts you may be feeling. Finish your prayer time today with thanks!
Father, we don’t deserve the redemption Your Son brought us. Thank You for that gift!
Go forward today in thanksgiving, knowing that the power of God has prevailed for generations. The cross, as foolish as it may seem to the world, gives us hope and a future beyond this life.
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1 Comment
What a powerful message Elisabeth! Thank you for bringing the reality of the cross to our attention, as we should remember it daily.