Music Monday: “The Power of the Cross” by Keith and Kristyn Getty
by: Debbie Waltz
Reflecting on the impactful “Disabled Women On a Mission” conference hosted by Even If, I’ve been profoundly reminded of the ways in which God’s intentions often diverge sharply from, and even contradict, the commonly held beliefs and norms of society. While religious leaders focused on teaching and keeping all the Jewish laws, Jesus concerned himself with both the physical and spiritual needs of His people. Jesus’ miraculous healings were not simply a public demonstration of God’s awesome power. They also directly challenged or affirmed the established beliefs of those who witnessed the miracles.
During his three-year ministry, Jesus not only performed miracles but also devoted considerable time and effort to sharing the message of the gospel with everyone. These messages spurred followers to demonstrate their faith more tangibly by spreading the Gospel and helping the less fortunate. This subsequently prompted them to abandon their established formalities of organized religion in favor of a more personal and relational approach to their faith.
In one of his most well-known sermons The Sermon on the Mount Jesus flipped cultural norms on its head. He did this in many ways. One of those ways was showing that spiritual power – let’s call it being blessed – is not gained by the path of the world. For example, he described these kinds of “powerful “people that will inherit the kingdom of God:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5: 3-10)
Power was not gained by physical or popular strength, but by inner, spiritual strength that often cost them in the physical and cultural realm.
And Jesus exemplified these virtues of purity, mercy, thirst for righteousness and gentile peacemaking – yet He was persecuted, He mourned and went to the cross poor in spirit. His power was demonstrated in humbling Himself to bear the cross, to give Himself a sacrifice for our sins, and to conquer death so we may have eternal life.
That is the power of the cross!
To listen to Keith and Kristyn Getty’s song, it can be found here:
