The offense of Jesus is not a system or a statement. It’s not a manifesto or a speech. It’s not a creed or a promise or a threat or a plea. The offense of Jesus is not a sermon or a strategy. The offense of Jesus is a cross.
The hope of Jesus is not our resolutions, our apologies or our efforts. It’s not self-improvement, our good intentions or our resolve. It’s not our feasting or our fasting, our giving or our receiving. It’s not our prayers or our flowers. The hope of Jesus is a cross.
The call of Jesus is not to brandish weapons or take up arms. It’s not a new set of rules or a scheme or a skill. It’s not a call to be nicer or better or more disciplined. The call of Jesus is a cross.
The beauty of Jesus is not a sculpture or a painting. It’s not the roar of the ocean nor its soft-scissored foam. It’s not a heartbeat or a drumbeat. It’s not the glow of a sunset or the strains of a song. The beauty of Jesus is a cross.
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 Cor 1:18
So totally different to the world’s idea of power, progress, self-improvement or beauty. One of the reasons I am sure Jesus is God! What kind of (man-made) god would love, serve + offer real hope like that?