May 19 - Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

Corinthians 1:17-31                                                                                             by Diane Ward
                                                                                                                     
Influenced by the spirit of nearby Athens, the Corinthians considered themselves intellectually superior. Paul deflected their judgmental attitude challenging them to step out of their worldly way of thinking. They did not understand that human cleverness pales in the world of Spirit. Jesus’ radical demands were in stark contrast to the Corinthians way of thinking.

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39)

True wisdom-God’s plan of salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross is God’s gift through the Holy Spirit. We must become fools in the world’s eyes to be truly wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18) Paul simplified his message, “for I have resolved to know nothing while with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

The world needs fools, fools for Christ, fools for God’s sake. It is such fools that have changed the lives of many. The pearl of great price, the mind of Christ must be the most treasured value in our lives. Jesus Christ crucified is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (The Importance of Being Foolish; Brennan Manning)

Picture the cross on which Jesus died as a crossroads of people, time, and place; a physical crossroads through which at some time all people pass. Understand the cross as a meeting place of all history with God, the source of all love, forgiveness, and peace. (Aidan Clarke).

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame. and I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.” (George Bernard)