Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Inevitability of the Cross
Dr. Ron Jacob
Long Island MTC, NY
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For the last few weeks, our family has been dealing with a difficult situation. The health of my father in law’s younger brother, affectionately known as Johnnypappan has been slowly declining. For almost four years he has been battling colorectal cancer.
For many churches founded by first generation Malayalees, the reality of aging members suffering with illnesses is an unfortunate certainty. Our churches are experiencing more and more funerals each subsequent year. My friend Stan often reminds me that it is an unfortunate truth which we as a Marthomite community here in this diocese have to come to terms with.
However, as believers in Jesus Christ and in those times of despair and grief, we have the cross to hold on to. The inevitability of the cross is our reality or as Paul stated to the church of Corinth, “it is the power of God.” The power of the cross CANNOT be avoided, evaded or escaped. It is unstoppable and unalterable!
Isn't it incredible to think there are people in the world, in our churches and even in our families who find this message to be foolishness? I for one consider it an honor to be viewed as a fool, because “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the strong.” (v.27)
I am thankful we had first generation members who felt the burden to pass along this message to their children and established the churches we worship in today. I am thankful that we have the ability now to be at peace when sharing the final days and moments of our loved ones lives.
Johnnypappan passed away on Thursday, March 12th at 10:07 AM. The days leading up to his death were filled with songs of joy, prayers of thanksgiving for his life and thanksgiving for his place in Heaven which has been guaranteed by the salvation provided by grace. He was surrounded by family and friends who only grieved for his demise from this earth, but stood with certainty of one thing, the power of the cross saved him and will save all of us who believe in what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did on that cross.
It may be foolishness to others, but I choose to boast in the source of “righteousness, sanctification and redemption”, for as it says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (v.31)
For the last few weeks, our family has been dealing with a difficult situation. The health of my father in law’s younger brother, affectionately known as Johnnypappan has been slowly declining. For almost four years he has been battling colorectal cancer.
For many churches founded by first generation Malayalees, the reality of aging members suffering with illnesses is an unfortunate certainty. Our churches are experiencing more and more funerals each subsequent year. My friend Stan often reminds me that it is an unfortunate truth which we as a Marthomite community here in this diocese have to come to terms with.
However, as believers in Jesus Christ and in those times of despair and grief, we have the cross to hold on to. The inevitability of the cross is our reality or as Paul stated to the church of Corinth, “it is the power of God.” The power of the cross CANNOT be avoided, evaded or escaped. It is unstoppable and unalterable!
Isn't it incredible to think there are people in the world, in our churches and even in our families who find this message to be foolishness? I for one consider it an honor to be viewed as a fool, because “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the strong.” (v.27)
I am thankful we had first generation members who felt the burden to pass along this message to their children and established the churches we worship in today. I am thankful that we have the ability now to be at peace when sharing the final days and moments of our loved ones lives.
Johnnypappan passed away on Thursday, March 12th at 10:07 AM. The days leading up to his death were filled with songs of joy, prayers of thanksgiving for his life and thanksgiving for his place in Heaven which has been guaranteed by the salvation provided by grace. He was surrounded by family and friends who only grieved for his demise from this earth, but stood with certainty of one thing, the power of the cross saved him and will save all of us who believe in what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did on that cross.
It may be foolishness to others, but I choose to boast in the source of “righteousness, sanctification and redemption”, for as it says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (v.31)
PRAYER
Dear Gracious Father,
thank you for every moment you spent on that cross for us sinners. We thank you
for allowing fools like us to be able to boast in You, our Lord. Amen!
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
The inevitable power of the cross has less to do with the nails and more to do with His love.
The inevitable power of the cross has less to do with the nails and more to do with His love.