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.
For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
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?
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.
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Reflection
As you read this, I hope that your day is going okay. Chances are, even amidst blessings and good news, though, that you can think of a few things that are not according to your plan. Whether it be chronic pains and aches that won't go away, or strained relationships. Maybe it is a loss. As I write this, I am missing my trusted writing companion, our dog Senna. I am sure that you can think of a loved one that you would prefer to be with you or not in pain.
The cross is not an eraser. Perhaps those who have difficulties with faith think that it should be. The truth and reality, though is that Jesus never promised a pain-free future with him. All of his invitations into discipleship involved a caution. If you take the time to look at early Christian history, it is certainly a miracle that any of us talk about Jesus at all. So many of the brightest and best followers were martyred in cruel ways. No, Jesus does not promise an easy life. He does, however promise that he will not add any weight to us and in fact that we will be with us always and in all circumstances. He also proves on the cross that the worst the world can throw at him is not enough. So, from our side, he will not be moved.
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