Happy April Fool’s Day. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. The Apostle Paul talks about the foolishness of the cross. This week we will be focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Worshiping a "criminal" who was executed on a cross seems foolish in many ways. The crime posted on his cross was, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” God is a God of mercy and justice. Justice demanded that there would be payment for our sins. When Jesus died on the cross, justice was served. God’s mercy was also present because Jesus died for our sins when we did not have the power to save ourselves. Mercy came in the form of Jesus taking our place on the cross. Instead of being punished, we are forgiven. When we put our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are restored into a right relationship with God. When Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” he was sharing the plan of redemption and reconciliation. The death of Jesus is not a prank or a joke to trick us on April Fool’s Day. It is the most authentic act of love the world has ever known.
Lord God on High, you were lifted high on the cross for the whole world to see. Thank you for your sacrifice. Be with all the people who think the cross is foolish and lead them into an authentic relationship with God through you. Amen.
