Jurgen Moltmann once said that the cross is “God’s protest against the misuse of his name.” We may envision God in many ways and we may equate his name with many things that are actually opposed to his identity. Some of the most horrendous acts of human history were done in the name of God. The cross stands as God’s enduring protest against any abuse or misuse of his name.
The humble sacrificial service of God in the cross must define his name to us. Actions in the name of God void of the cross of service must be exposed as impostors. If we would understand God, we must understand the cross of the Lord Jesus.