1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (NRSV)
Read 1 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 our readings this week we see people who are trying to stay focused on the LORD, reflecting the light of God, while surrounded by people who want to pull them away. The Israelites received the Law from Mt. Sinai so that they would not follow the ways of the Canaanites. The Psalmist looked to the heavens and to the Law as a compass pointing to God.
Today we read the words of the Apostle Paul. He was preaching a message that was hard for people to understand. First, he said that Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. Second, he said that the kingdom of God is for all people, not only for the children of Israel. The Greeks thought he was a lunatic. The Jewish leaders thought he was a heretic. Paul was surrounded by opponents and probably felt outnumbered. He needed to keep his eyes on Jesus’ promises in order to reflect the love of God to all people.
Prayer
God of Promise, it is sometimes difficult to stay faithful when people around us misunderstand us and falsely accuse us. Give us strength and courage today to reflect the love that you showed us on the cross. Amen.