“In the cross of Christ we glory, because we regard it as a matchless exhibition of the attributes of God. We see there the love of God, desiring a way by which He might save mankind, aided by His wisdom, so that a plan is perfected by which the deed can be done without violation of truth and justice. In the cross we see a strange conjunction of what once appeared to be two opposite qualities—justice and mercy. We see how God is supremely just; as just as if He had no mercy, and yet infinitely merciful in the gift of His Son. Mercy and justice, in fact, become counsel upon the same side, and irresistibly plead for the acquittal of the believing sinner. We can never tell which of the attributes of God shines most glorious in the sacrifice of Christ; they each one find a glorious high throne in the person and work of the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Since it has become, as it were, the disc which reflects the character and perfections of God, it is meet that we should glory in the cross of Christ, and none shall stay us of our boasting.”
– Charles H. Spurgeon (Leaves of Gold, pg. 15)
The human population seems to be engaged in a perpetual cycle of trying to resolve things. International relationships, ancient tribal conflicts, economic policies: the list goes on of things we are trying to resolve, but never seem to succeed in doing. Our striving for resolution on issues is, as best as I can tell, always based on some kind of reason or logic. We may not agree on what that is, but one side or the other will always say, “this is the logical solution.” So we try the logical solution, and yet the problem remains.
The cross of Christ doesn’t fit the category of logic. In fact, much of the resistance still found in “reasonable human beings” is that the message of the cross makes no sense. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Even now, many who reject the cross will offer their “more reasonable” alternatives. I do understand the motivation, but it strikes me as humorous that we would presume to be counselors of God, instructing Him with a better way to do things.
God didn’t design the plan of salvation to fit human logic—and I am thankful. Our track record for resolving things is less than stellar. God, on the other hand, gloriously merges pure justice and extreme mercy in a way humans could never resolve. You and I have two options today. We can debate God about a better way to solve the human sin disease, or we can kneel at the cross, humbly beholding its glory as God’s answer to our deepest problem. Which will you choose?
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 