CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 896

“Offended”

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me. (Matthew 11:6)

Have you noticed how intolerant our world society has become toward Christianity and the symbol of the Cross of Jesus Christ? It is ironical that much of the intolerance stems from those who promote tolerance for all religions and peoples – all, except for those who are Christian. Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. (Luke 12:51)

Christians should not be surprised by persecution. Jesus clearly warned us that we will be persecuted (Matthew 10:16-23).

Why does the Cross of Jesus Christ offend? It offends because of its exclusivity. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Just as the Cross of Christ separated the two thieves on Calvary – one to receive forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus and the other to die in his sin – so the Cross continues to be the narrow gate by which all mankind is to enter. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Our carnal nature wants an easy road. It wants ‘heaven on earth’ – now, not later. Our carnal nature is prideful, lustful, and stubborn and it chafes at the idea of dying to self so it is offended by the Cross. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)

Our carnal intellect is offended by the perceived foolishness and folly of the Cross of Jesus Christ. For 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. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Jesus says we are blessed if we are not offended by Him. He also says we are blessed when we are persecuted because of Him and that this should be cause for rejoicing. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

We should not view the Cross of Jesus as a commonplace religious symbol. May you see it with a renewed sense of awe and reverence for what it truly represents. May you see in the Cross the enormity of the love God has for you in that Jesus would die on that Cross to pay the price for your sin. May you see the power it represents for forgiveness of sin and for the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!