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18 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. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20 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? 21 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. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NRSV)
Happy Tuesday to you, dear Friend. I pray God has already spoken to you about today and how you can make a difference in someone's life by your words, thoughts and actions. I also hope you have spent time in prayer and reflection, sharing with God as your trusted confidant and friend. I pray these words also bless you.
I cannot find the words to describe the City of Jerusalem. It is set in a beautiful location and we were so moved by its beauty and peace that my wife actually said she wanted to move there! I said I wouldn't mind it as the city spoke to my heart and spirit. Jerusalem is the most sacred city in the world and held so by three of the world's major religions; Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Each of these control major sections of the city and the history of the city is an open display to what God can do. In reading today's passage Jerusalem came to mind because of the three religions mentioned only one holds to the meaning and power of the cross. The others while respecting it publicly, do not buy into what we know the cross holds for us. I would venture to say that within those major three, there might be some who might see the cross as foolishness. But to those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus, we know it to be the power of God.
You and I have heard countless stories of how believers have not debated the cross but have proven the strength and love of God. Paul himself brought the message to Jew and Greek alike, and he knew what they desired; the Jews wanted signs as their history is replete with them; and the Greeks desired wisdom, as their history was one great intelligence and wisdom; and an ever increasing desire to learn more. We, the Christians proclaim and believe Christ as crucified. He may be a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but as Paul says we believe Jesus Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God. God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
So, dear one, you and I are on the right team. We are on the wise, powerful team; which is not a privilege position, but a position of responsibility. We win when we win the world for Jesus. We win only when we can pull just one person from the pit of despair. We can rejoice, but we should get busy in winning another disciple for Jesus.
PRAYER: Loving God, we pause to reflect on what it means to be on Your team. We accept full responsibility for what all is involved in reaching the world for you. This we pray in Christ Jesus' powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share the power today with someone!
Receive my blessings of love and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
