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The work of the cross hard to understand
From 1 Corinthians 1:18-25: For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
"I know everything!" These are the words of a child. When said by a child these are cute and funny. But when said seriously by an adult, it is usually a sign that the person saying it has closed his/her mind to new things. Paul knew, as he writes this passage that believers will encounter those who claiming to be wise, know little to nothing about God and God's power. Those who scoff at the cross believe it be to be something not real; but to those whom the cross has saved from sin and death, it is the very power of God.
Our Lenten Journey may take us to people who doubt the cross, doubt God, doubt that there is any hope for them; these are the very ones to whom we have been led. We who know the power of the cross to bring life and life in abundance, speak to those who doubt. We who have seen and lived hope, share with those who are hopeless or despairing. Those who don't see the benefit of being alive, we should speak the words of life that Jesus shared with us.
Don't let the foolishness of this world limit or stop the power of God; for as Paul closes this passage, "God's weakness is stronger than human strength."
PRAYER: Shine through me, Light of the world! Hope above all hope, speak through me. Life of all life, help me to share that with those in need. In the name of He who brings these, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
