1 Corinthians 1:18, 26, and 30 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. … Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. … It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
A brief look at the historical context during the time of this passage reminds us that Paul often spoke to two specific groups—the Jews and the Greeks. The Jews could not accept Christ as messiah because they believed that anyone crucified must have been evil (cf. Deuteronomy 21:23). The Greeks could not accept that Christ was Deity because they believed that God is ultimately good and could not lower himself to human form. Thus the message of Christ crucified was “foolishness” to both groups. Yet God’s wisdom provided the perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap between a Holy Creator and his sinful wayward creation. Thus the message of Christ crucified becomes ultimate wisdom sent from God himself and available to all who believe.
The early church in most respects did not consist of brilliant scholars, wealthy politicians, or people of high rank and nobility. I’m sure there were some, such as those belonging to Caesar’s household (cf. Philippians 4:22); but mostly, the early church consisted of simple, humble, working people, many of whom were slaves. During this time in history, slaves were considered as things, objects, tools—less than human. So the message of Christ brought respect to the disrespected, hope of eternal life to those whose lives meant nothing, value and worth to people who were considered less than dogs. The message then, as well as today, is that even if you feel you matter to no one else—you matter significantly to your Heavenly Father—enough so that he was willing to give his only Son up for you. This was his master plan; a plan of ultimate wisdom.
So today, Paul’s message is still our message:
Christ has died. Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
1 Corinthians 2:1, 4-5 When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. … My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. … for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Gracious Heavenly Father,
When we feel low, when we are tempted to feel we matter to no one; how humbly thankful and grateful we are that you care deeply for us. The wisdom of your plan to save us through the life of your own Son is wisdom we can scarcely fathom, and yet it is truth. Thank you, Heavenly Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional Wisdom from God appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.come
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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