Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 1:18  “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

I have lived in France for so long, I am no longer surprised to see the cross just about everywhere.  France has strong cultural ties to the Catholic Church.  Some of these crosses date back hundreds of years.  They can be found in graveyards as pictured here.  But they are also found up in the vineyards, along country roadsides, and even on the busy corner down from our house!  I often wonder what the French think when they pass the cross on their way to their daily lives.

Today is Good Friday, a day of remembering the cross and the suffering of the Perfect One who hung there.  There has never been a greater injustice ever done to man.  Jesus, who knew no sin, did not deserve to die.  It should have been me.  But because of His great love, He took my place and paid the penalty for my sin.

The cross……has there ever been a more perfect symbol of sacrificial love?  And yet, for those that reject His love, it is foolishness.  For them it is a symbol of weakness and shame.  But the cross is the power of God, as it reconciles us with the Righteous Judge.

I have loved singing these lyrics with my French chorale, often through tears of gratitude:

“Thank You for the cross, Lord.  Thank You for the price You paid.  Bearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing grace.  Thank You for this love, Lord.  Thank You for the nail pierced hands.  Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know, Your forgiveness and embrace.”