Thoughts for another day

June 16, 2006

Today's verse: 1 Co. 1:18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV).

In a grade 3 class the teacher asked the girls, what they would want to become when they became big. The usual responses like doctor, engineer, architect, etc. echoed in the room. When it was Mary’s turn with a feeble voice she said, ‘Nurse.’ All the others burst out laughing. Each girl began telling her friend beside her, ‘Mary is stupid. Who would want to become a nurse.’ Then the teacher asked, ‘Mary, why do you want to become a nurse?’

Mary started sobbing. ‘Miss,’ she began, ‘my mummy is very sick at home and daddy says there is no good nurse to take care of her. My mummy is really suffering and so I want to become a good nurse so that I can take care of my mummy and others who are suffering.’ Every body was silent. The teacher then told the class, of all the answers I have received, this is the best ever. God bless you Mary’

Sometimes, great things are couched and masked by very stupid facades. I have seen the greatest warmth in huts. I have met love in the dirtiest faces. And my beloved in Christ, I have seen the love of God in the Cross.

See, our God, who is so beautiful and reigning in splendor, gave us a symbol that was considered a curse. Look at what it has become! A symbol, that speaks to the heart of man. A sign, that makes even the hardest heart melt. A glimmer of hope, for the worst sinner, and the route to eternal life.
When I was small I used to ask the Lord, ‘Why did You die on the cross. Wasn’t there another way to give salvation?’ But today, I hug the cross. And I tell Him, ‘Thank you for the Cross.’ For when I look at it and consider the sin within me, I am reassured. Reassured that He died a shameful death that even the worst of my sins could be forgiven! My friend, consider the merits of the cross and embrace it. That’s all you’ll ever need.