Wednesday
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Why does the life of Christ, especially the resurrection, make sense to some people and not to others? Why does following Christ make profound sense to me and not to some of the people I love most in the world?
“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (v20, NIV) Sometimes I keep my overt faith somewhat hidden from others. Being “too religious” can be considered offensive. But why am I still bound by what the world deems foolish? Very short consideration brings me to the realization that the things of this world are often completely crazy. Paul proclaims that sentiment about the world shortly after the time of Christ, and it is still perfectly true today.
In verse 18, the “message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, . . . to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” It is another way of knowing—through faith. “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (v19) It is not wisdom that brings us into the body of Christ; it is not intelligence. That is reassuring, because I don’t feel very wise and intelligence doesn't get me very far in spiritual seeking. Some of the people I think of as far more intelligent and often wiser than me, do not seem to have access to faith. I am blessed, and I don’t understand why. It is “Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God.” (v30) I am grateful.
Jamie Barr
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Why does the life of Christ, especially the resurrection, make sense to some people and not to others? Why does following Christ make profound sense to me and not to some of the people I love most in the world?
“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (v20, NIV) Sometimes I keep my overt faith somewhat hidden from others. Being “too religious” can be considered offensive. But why am I still bound by what the world deems foolish? Very short consideration brings me to the realization that the things of this world are often completely crazy. Paul proclaims that sentiment about the world shortly after the time of Christ, and it is still perfectly true today.
In verse 18, the “message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, . . . to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” It is another way of knowing—through faith. “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (v19) It is not wisdom that brings us into the body of Christ; it is not intelligence. That is reassuring, because I don’t feel very wise and intelligence doesn't get me very far in spiritual seeking. Some of the people I think of as far more intelligent and often wiser than me, do not seem to have access to faith. I am blessed, and I don’t understand why. It is “Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God.” (v30) I am grateful.
Jamie Barr
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