The Final Word

October 1, 2017

Look around you. It may not be any worse than in the past, but one thing for sure: the world isn’t getting better. There was a time when thoughtful people believed that we were finally ready to put war and grasping ambition behind us and invest our energies in peace. Our nation is divided, our enemies determined to destroy us, and our communities are inundated with drugs, violence, and corruption. If that weren’t enough, there’s not a one of us who can look within our own hearts without finding sin, regrets, even despair. Even in the places where we expect to find guidance and help, there is only confusion and contradiction. Schools, politics, even churches are often places of greed, corruption, and dark desires. Whenever I feel this world closing in, I remember the words of John Bowring:

In the cross of Christ I glory, 

Towering o’er the wrecks of time; 

All the light of sacred story 

Gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o’ertake me,

  Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,

Never shall the cross forsake me,

  Lo! It glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming

  Light and love upon my way,

From the cross the radiance streaming

  Adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,

  By the cross are sanctified;

Peace is there that knows no measure,

  Joys that through all time abide.

Those words were written nearly 200 years ago by a man who could speak fluently in 22 languages, and converse in 100 more. He witnessed plenty of turmoil in his lifetime as England’s ambassador to China in the years leading up to the Boxer Rebellion. I’ve sung this song countless times over the years. It is based on St. Paul’s word, “God forbid that I should glory except in the Cross of Christ.” 

Today in worship, we sang a more modern version of the same theme:

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

Sorrow may come in the darkest night

But the cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

Evil may put up its strongest fight

But the cross has the final word

There's nothing stronger, nothing higher

Nothing greater than the name of Jesus

All the honor, all the power

All the glory to the name of Jesus

The cross has the final word

The cross has the final word

The Savior has come with the morning light

The cross has the final word

Tonight I am thankful for these words of hope and encouragement. I sit tonight in comfort and security; countless people tonight sit in grief, fear, suffering, or uncertainty. I’ve been there, though not to the extent of many, and I know the hope these words give. We may not always see it from where we sit, but God’s promise is sure, and the Cross has the final word. The day will come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.