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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. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Good day dear Reader! The main purpose of Lent is to reinforce and reaffirm our beliefs, as this passage shows. Some would have you "let go" or "let loose" all that has gotten you this far. While there are some destructive things that certainly we must let go; all that we have heard and learned about God's love and His mercy should be affirmations of our faith. So, please use today's devotional as part of that which blesses you into strength in Christ.
Paul encountered opposition from all sides. He knew it was coming and still on he pressed, sharing Jesus with a conviction unmatched in his day. The greatest challenge was from those who said that to preach the death of someone, even Jesus, was foolishness. Who wants to join a movement where its leader suffered greatly, and died like a common criminal. Paul heard in his heart from God the first verse in this passage: "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." Bam! If you're "hellbent" as the modern version says, then yes, the death of Christ makes no sense; but if you're already on the journey with Christ, then this is power and fuel for your journey. We know the cross to be an instrument of death in its human usage. The Roman government wanted those who they believed deserved to die, to die in a manner that would serve as an incentive to not do wrong, and to live a good life. But it was on that cross, where Jesus gave His body and blood for us. The ultimate sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb took place on the cross, and His death was our death. His payment was for our sins. Foolishness to those who have never asked forgiveness from God; but great news to those of us who have.
You can demand a sign or you can ask for a debate; but all you will get from believers is that Christ was crucified, died, buried, and on the third day He arose! This is God's foolishness beating out human wisdom and God's strength making us stronger through our faith.
PRAYER: Awesome Father, bless us in our Lenten Journey. Make stronger in our hearts, minds, and spirits our faith in You that includes the Cross. Bless those who think they should let go or loosen long-held, precious beliefs. Re-kindle in us the fire of love and devotion to You. This we pray in the name of He who is our Lamb, Jesus Christ, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show off your foolishness today so that others will come to their senses.
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS AND UPDATES: We have heard word that Joseph Latham took a little turn for the worse. Stomach distention led to surgery where doctors discovered he had a perforated colon. That area was removed and his abdominal cavity was cleaned. He still is in an induced coma as his lungs are not yet functioning as they should. Pray for this young family. My wife Nellie is healing well and we praise God for that; pray for continued healing and strength. Continue to pray for one another; build up the Body of Christ. Pray for unity and core purposes to serve the Risen Christ in all churches. Love one another.
