“For Jews ask for signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

(1 Corinthians 1:22-24)

Cherish the cross? Wearing golden crosses around our necks and displaying beautiful wooden crosses in our sanctuaries? Do we realize that it's akin to wearing miniature electric chairs or lethal injection beds as accessories? Let us not forget, the Cross was a gruesome form of execution sanctioned by the Roman Government in Jesus' time. Yet, in our modern era, it has lost its shock and scandal, morphing into a symbol of adornment rather than a reminder of suffering and shame. When symbols overshadow their intended meaning, they become objects of worship themselves.

"The Old Rugged Cross" stands as one of the most beloved Christian hymns, revered by millions and consistently ranked among America's all-time favorites. Its poignant lyrics were penned by Reverend George Bennard, whose life was marked by tragedy and profound faith.

In 1889, at the tender age of 16, Bennard tragically lost his father in a mining accident. Left to support his mother and siblings, Bennard faced the harsh realities of life at a young age. However, in 1895, a pivotal moment occurred when Bennard attended a Salvation Army meeting and experienced a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ. This transformative moment led him to commit his life wholeheartedly to Christ, setting him on a path of spiritual devotion and service.

As a Methodist pastor and itinerant preacher, Bennard traveled extensively throughout the Midwest, conducting revival services and spreading the message of the gospel. It was during one of these revival meetings in Michigan that Bennard was deeply moved by the indifference of young people towards the gospel. Turning to Scripture for solace and inspiration, Bennard experienced a profound revelation: the centrality of the cross in the gospel message. In his own words, he expressed, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross as inseparable." Motivated by this spiritual insight, Bennard was inspired to compose "The Old Rugged Cross," a timeless hymn that would touch the hearts of believers for generations to come.

Every day is a resurrection day, a chance to awaken to our identity as children of God and bask in His unconditional love. The power of God's love, demonstrated through Christ's forgiveness on the cross, disarms our egos and reveals a merciful God, not a judgmental deity. Though the world may perceive God's love as weakness, it is, in fact, a transformative force that empowers us to extend love and acceptance to ourselves and others.

On the cross, we see the vulnerability of God, stripped naked with outstretched arms, dispelling our fears of a punitive God and revealing God’s heart overflowing with love. The resurrection, then, stands as a testament to God's triumph over human cruelty, inviting us to lay down our weapons and return home.

In the words of Richard Rohr, "The cross is the standing statement of what we do to one another and to ourselves. The resurrection is the standing statement of what God does." May we remember and embody the transformative power of God's love, as exemplified on the cross when we sing “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

The Old Rugged Cross

1 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

2 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

has a wondrous attraction for me;

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above

to bear it to dark Calvary.]

3 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

a wondrous beauty I see,

for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

to pardon and sanctify me.

4 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he'll call me some day to my home far away,

where his glory forever I'll share.

Refrain:

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it some day for a crown.

Text: George Bennard (1873-1958)

Music: George Bennard (1873-1958)