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. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

As I write this I am just one day away from returning to in-person singing with my friends at Watermark Assisted Living and another week from two other facilities. I can hardly wait to hear everyone’s voice and see their faces! Sometimes I joke about God’s top ten hits and I would wager dollars to donuts that “The Old Rugged Cross” is in the top five of everyone’s favorites.  It has a special power to touch our hearts because it carries transforming God’s message to our hearts.

I sometimes wonder why Paul didn’t preach about the resurrection or the great life we could experience as Christians. But, God doesn’t change lives, by demanding that we be good or by amazing us with miracles. Instead He sent His Son Jesus to the cross to die in our place. People in Paul’s day thought that his preaching about the crucifixion of Jesus was foolish. Today is no different. Our society looks to the politically powerful, or the talented of Hollywood as examples of what life is all about. But the truth is that yesterday’s politicians are forgotten quicker than an ice cube on the sidewalk in July and that the beauty of the movie stars fades with the years. But the cross of Jesus and the message of His blood that was shed for us are still remembered after 2,000 years. Every time we receive the cup and the bread, they remind us that true change begins by only by confession of our sins and that lasting change starts by faith in the cross of Christ. As we start a new phase of life coming back from 13 months of Covid-19 shutdown, let’s go back to where it all began: the message of the cross of Jesus Christ! God bless you and maybe I’ll see you soon!

Considering the power and holiness of the Cross of Jesus I am sharing here a simple rendering from Lor of the song Holy Holy Holy and How Great Thou Art. I love the simplicity of her style. It slows me downs and helps me to remember all the words of these familiar hymns.