Have you ever been to a college or professional sporting event? I’m a big Georgia Bulldog fan, and when we go to games in Athens, there are all kinds of unique game day rituals, songs, and chants— calling the Dawgs, the Dawg walk, the trumpeter playing the first few notes of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” before we sing “Glory, Glory,” “Lighting up Sanford” before the 4th quarter, and ringing the chapel bell after a victory. If you aren’t a Georgia fan (which, odds are, you aren’t), those things are foolishness to you. They make no sense and have no value to people who aren’t Georgia fans. But to me, they are special and moving.

Paul said that the cross is foolishness to those who are lost, but it is the power of God to those who believe. The cross is our hope and confidence, a source of pride and joy. It may seem weird to the world that such a horrible event is so precious to us, but when you have been saved by the cross, it is a precious treasure. The cross is the power of God to wash, forgive, and redeem; walk in that power today.

What do you feel when you think about the cross? How can you grow in love and gratitude for what Jesus has done to save you?