“In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.” – Galatians 5:11b
The Apostle Paul shares with us that He is being persecuted because of the cross. His life was one of persecution, stoning, beatings and whippings. He faced persecution on a regular basis. Why? Because He preached the cross. And the cross cuts against sin, pride and our flesh. And people who are in love with those things will push back against the cross, as its offensive to them.
So here is my point. 2000 Years later the cross has not changed, it is still offensive, so if we are not sitting in environments whereby we are not being cut to the heart and potentially offended by the cross, then maybe we are not preaching the right cross. Maybe the cross we are preaching is a bless me club, where our blessing, prosperity and good feelings were the purpose of Christs crucifixion. But while we are blessed and promised prosperity through Him and whilst we do experience good feelings, these come after we deal with our stuff. These come when we embrace the cross and the “offense” of the cross, when we receive His conviction, His correction. This is the Gospel. Let’s never stop short of preaching the truth, even when it cuts deep. Even the truth that is hard to preach, that no one will like. My goal is not to preach what you want, but to be a messenger on behalf of Him, I serve Him not you. Let’s stop building churches around people but rather around God. Let our preaching revolve around Him and not us. Let’s preach the truth and live the truth even when it is uncomfortable. Let’s never remove the offense of the cross, because the offense of the cross reminds us that we are still being sanctified.
Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash
