“Christ sent me…to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect“– 1 Corinthians 1:17
Preachers sent from Christ are sent to preach the gospel, the good news of Christ’s atoning work on the cross.
The fact that they are sent to preach the gospel reveals that there is a need for declaration and explanation of the cross of Christ. This was not a self-explanatory event. It is only because of the inspired commentary on the crucifixion — including the commentary of Jesus himself — that we are able to understand the majesty of this tragedy.
To the bystanders at Calvary (including Christ’s disciples) this was the deepest grief imaginable, the death of all their joys, the end of all hope. But through the resurrection, ascension, and explanation of Jesus Christ we come to see that the cross is in fact our highest consolation, the death of all our sorrows, and the consummation of all hope.
Through His death sinners are reconciled to God and given eternal life. How could such an astounding display of love and mercy possibly be rendered ineffective? Paul says the cross is made of none effect when we get in the way.
It was therefore Paul’s determination not to let the message of the cross be obscured behind his own personality or his own talents or his own shortcomings. May we likewise resolve to hold up the cross, to point to the cross, with as little of ourselves showing as possible.–Baptist Bible Hour
