LENT III

March 7, 2021

“The Power of Foolishness”     

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 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.  For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.I Corinthians 1:18, 22-25      

The Book of Acts introduces us to a man named Saul, who was dedicated to persecuting Christians, and by the authority of the high priest, he arrested and even executed Jews who were followers of Christ.  But then God turned his life, his beliefs, and, basically, his whole world, upside down, calling him to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah to all people.  The account of Saul’s conversion in the Book of Acts 9:1-22, describes the blinding light, the voice of God, and the complete transformation from Saul the persecutor to Paul, the believer, leader and teacher.     

Paul turned his considerable energies and abilities toward spreading the news of Jesus Christ as God’s own Son, the Messiah, establishing communities of believers, such as in the city of Corinth.  In fact, he stayed with them for a year and a half, teaching and leading them to both faith and greater understanding of the message of Jesus.  After he moved on, his letters to the Corinthians provided correction, guidance, and encouragement.     

These verses that speak of foolishness can be confusing and a little intimidating, but they are actually Paul’s no-nonsense way of describing God’s power and wisdom.  Jews wanted miraculous works, and Greeks wished to hear a version of their reasonable, logical form of wisdom, but we (that’s all of us) proclaim Christ crucified, which demands a whole new way of thinking and believing.     

Paul is clear and emphatic: the reality of the crucifixion of Jesus cannot be minimized.  The excruciating pain, the long, agonizing death, were as real as Jesus’ life on earth, and  cannot be considered anything less.  Just as the fully human Christ was murdered, so, too, by God’s loving power, he was raised from the dead. The reality and the ugliness of the crucifixion is the foundation of the miraculous, powerful reality of the resurrection.  The two events are inextricably intertwined, and cannot be separated.        

As we are called to proclaim the crucified Christ, we are privileged to share the message of salvation, redemption, and a love that bears the burdens of others.  The forces of evil create wars, conflicts, death and suffering around the world, but we are assured of God’s power and wisdom and his everlasting faithfulness. 

Humbled to be called,

Your friend in Christ,  

Mary Rogers