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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)
A Blessed and Marvelous Tuesday to you all ConCafe Family! And wonderful opportunities to further your meaning and purpose in life to you, dear Friend. May we pray that we all may be so filled by God's Holy Spirit as we live, share, and be the Gospel to all people. May our hearts be filled with more love in ways to share with those who lack it. Please make time to pray for the needs on your heart, mind, and spirit.
My Sociology professor one day asked how many of us were wearing a cross or carried a cross. Several raised their hand. The professor then asked, "If Christ had been executed on the electric chair (yes, this was some years ago, and that was Texas' mode of execution in those days), would you were a little electric chair on your necklace?" Hmm. The question was more for discussion than anything else. But the cross represents much more than a method of execution; it is a symbol of life, and hope, and power, and peace; and all that our faith represents to the world. It is foolishness to the nonbeliever to see anything other than a way to die in the cross. The cross was the common man's way to die as a shameful punishment; a deterrent to others who thought about committing crime. Just as Christ associated with life in His baptism; in death Christ died among, and considered by some, a common criminal. Remember that on HIs right and His left, two thieves were crucified with Him. God knew this was to come and so inspired the writer who wrote the quoted passage, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning will I thwart." And in all ways, God had indeed thwarted the "wisdom of the world." And while some wished that God would have ended Jesus' ministry with an inspirational way, Yet, think back to how Jesus entered the world; was He not born in an obscure little town in a stable, and placed in a manger since the inns of the day were full? In the same way that Jesus was not born in a palace, Jesus was not pardoned from death by royal decree; the Son of Man died for all people.
Friends, just when we might think we might know it all when it comes to God, and we find ourselves dangerously close to foolishness in God's eyes. Not where I want to be! If moving closer to God makes us look more foolish to the world, that is okay with me, as it should be with you. Nothing will look more foolish and sad, than the look on those who get left behind because of bad choices.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, during this Lenten Journey, speak to me and my inner being about what truly and really matters; I seek to belong to you and be among those who have surrendered to You; increase my wisdom in You. May I embrace being foolish for You regardless of what the world may think and say. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show your love and appreciation to the things that the world may consider foolish; and speak about that to save others!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
