The Old Rugged Cross

But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 NIV

Once there was a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck. It was pretty and had found a special place over her heart. One day she was approached by a man - one of those crabby kinds of guys that, thank heaven, you don't meet very often. The man said, "Young lady, I imagine you think Jesus died on a cross for you. If He did, I don't think His cross was pretty like the one you're wearing. It was an ugly wooden thing. I don't think you should wear the cross as a piece of jewelry. After all, you wouldn't wear a hangman's noose or an electric chair around your neck, would you?"

That little girl, placed in a position far too intimidating for her to deal with, responded with respect: "Yes, sir, I do believe Jesus died for me on a cross. And I know that His cross would not have been as pretty as mine. But I also know, sir, what they told me in Sunday school."

"And what was that?" the man queried. "In Sunday school, my teacher told me that whatever Jesus touches, He changes," she answered. "I think that is true for this cross. I know that it's true for me."

The grouch was absolutely right. The cross on which Jesus died was not a pretty thing. It was an instrument of torture and death. The little girl was right too. The death of Jesus changed an evil symbol into one of beauty. The cross is beautiful because of what happened when Jesus gave His life for you and me. When you believe Jesus died for you, God changes your life. He makes you beautiful in His eyes. he forgives your sins, makes you His child, fills your heart with love, your life with purpose, and promises eternal life in heaven. That's why there is nothing more attractive than the cross.

portions from The Lutheran Hour sermon preached on March 23, 2003