JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment of Celebration reflects on the message of the cross.

The good news of Jesus speaks of His coming to the earth, His death on a cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His promise to return.

These are vital elements of the Gospel that deserve our full attention for real and lasting hope.

First Corinthians 1:18 underscores the different reactions to the message of the cross. The Apostle Paul said, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”

Death is hard to think about, especially when it involves suffering. But Jesus was willing to face death, even though He did not deserve death. Why did He do this?  There was an important reason for Jesus going to the cross. His death satisfied the wrath of God against sin, and expressed the love of the Father toward sinners. This is amazing grace that forgives the sins of those who embrace the message of the cross. This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

The message of the cross is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com