I Corinthians 1:18-25 (NRSV)
Read I Corinthians 1:18-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18For 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. Verse 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." Verse 20Where 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? Verse 21For 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. Verse 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, Verse 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, Verse 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Verse 25For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Devotion
In today's reading we come across an interesting
comparison between the foolishness of God and the
wisdom of the wise. At first glance the reading might
appear to be anti-intellectual, suggesting the destruction
of the wise and prudent. On closer reflection, however,
the words are an encouragement to trust the ability of
God to work on our behalf. Who would have thought that
salvation would come through the death of Jesus on a
cross? If the authorities had known or understood, they
would not have killed Jesus. Instead, they might have
just locked him up forever. But as Isaiah 55:8 reminds us,
God's thoughts and ways are different from ours. The
Apostle Paul's words invite us to remain open for the
power of God to be shown in our circumstances as we
believe in the finished work of Calvary. When we choose
simple faith, the possibilities are endless.
Prayer
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! Amen.