The inspired Apostle Paul declared: “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18.
Whenever an earthquake strikes some part of our world, people are reminded of life’s many uncertainties. In such cases, people aren’t sure of what will come next. People in the midst of an earthquake see solid cemented-in light poles sway like birch trees in the wind. Bridges, buildings, highways — all symbols of certainty, can fall victims to a disastrous quake. Those who have experienced one explain that it’s like walking on Jell-O. Within seconds one’s solid footing on the earth becomes unstable and uncertain — much like many of our days as we regard our politics, our economy, our health, our family, our happiness and our future. Besides death and taxes, what can we truly be certain of?
One minute we can be laughing, the next crying; one minute we can be on top of the world, the next we feel as if the world is on top of us. One minute we’re as fit as a fiddle, the next as fragile as a butterfly. Tell the truth, life is full of uncertainties.
And yet, in the midst of all these uncertainties, there’s something that we can be absolutely, positively certain of. There’s something in this life, and for this life, and for the life to come that will never turn into Jell-O. This something is the glorious cross of Christ with its message of Law and Gospel. Jesus, our Savior, reminds us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (from Luke 21 :33) The cross will stand to the end of time to show all people the seriousness of sin. And yet, the cross stands before us through earthquakes, trials, and troubles to assure the penitent sinner of God’s complete forgiveness and of His unfailing love. And that means, the cross is our certainty that the maker and shaker of the universe is on our side. No wonder St. Paul exclaimed: “May I never boast except in the Cross of Christ.” (from Galatians 6:14)
During this season of Lent (that began on Feb. 22 and continues through March) we have the opportunity and the privilege of zeroing in on the cross and its message. It’s a time that no Christian can afford to miss. In a world of uncertainties, the cross is evident: seen on buildings, in churches, in homes, around necks, and even dangling from ears. And its message attests to the fact: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And the Cross of Christ proves He is indeed for us!
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This month’s contributor is the Rev. Dean Rudloff, pastor of Life In Christ Lutheran Church affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
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