P REFACE
PREFACE
Of the many compilations of Tozer’s writings (there are now more than fifty titles available) this is the first collection to focus specifically on what he had to say about the cross of Jesus Christ. If there is one message that Tozer consistently preached with passion, it was the crucified life. Certainly, one of Tozer’s most frequently used verses was Luke 9:23: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
For some 2,000 years, this message of the cross has stood as the chafing point between the physical and spiritual realms, between human and divine wills. The message of the cross is an agitant thrown into the mix of each new generation of every nation, creating conflict while at the same time offering true peace. Societies, including our own, will come and go. Nations will rise and fall. But the message of the cross will withstand all of its opposition through the centuries and emerge victorious with its triumphant King! That is why this is such an important book.
Much of Tozer’s theology was informed by an intimate understanding of Dr. A.B. Simpson, who founded The Christian and Missionary Alliance movement in the late 1800s. In fact, one of Tozer’s lesser known books, Wingspread, is a biographical account of the life of Albert B. Simpson.
Because of Tozer’s affinity to Simpson, we have decided to include one of Simpson’s messages in the Appendix at the end of this book. Simpson’s writing (he wrote more than 100 books) is saturated with Scripture, and one gets the sense at times that his deep understanding of the Word may have come to him as direct revelations from the mouth of the Lord Himself.
Lastly, one cannot read this collection of essays without being personally convicted. It’s not enough to admire Tozer’s biblical insights and incisive commentary. Tozer would cringe at that. He would want you and me to become more like Christ as a result of reading these works.
What I appreciate most about Tozer’s writings is that the more he came to understand what Christ accomplished on Calvary, the more he expressed utter amazement at the price God paid to redeem mankind. For all of his personal study of the mystics of old, Tozer was continually mystified by the atonement.
Though highly respected and a much sought-after speaker, though very confrontational and candid in his pulpit, Tozer knew all too well his lowly and meek position before the Almighty God. Perhaps, after all, that is where he derived his power to communicate so effectively.
I suppose that is the great lesson of this book: If we would be empowered for life and ministry, it will only happen as we are on our knees at the foot of the cross.
Douglas B. Wicks, Publisher
January 2005