1 Corinthians 1:30-31
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
ddd
Just over a month ago, it would not have been uncommon to drive by a church marquee that read, “Wise Men Still Seek Him.”
It makes for a nice little slogan, but the Bible has a way of testing bumper-sticker faith.
The Cross of Christ is utter foolishness to the worldly mind. No one embraces the Man from out of this world, unless He has been graced to think outside this world.
Please don’t misunderstand here: It’s not that unredeemed people cannot grasp the logic of the good news, but that apart from heavenly Wisdom, embracing it seems like an idea suited to more feeble and gullible souls.
After all, who in their right minds would have followed a crucified man in those days? Was that not a mark of weakness to a Corinthian, rather than strength? Would a Corinthian be caught wearing a cross around his neck? Absolutely not!! Heck, crucifixions did not even become art until everyone who had seen one died off.
No, it would take a strange kind of wisdom to embrace a man executed with thieves. . . a wisdom from out-of-this- world.
A wisdom not pursued, but bestowed.
A wisdom that was not just a thought-process, but a Person.
A wisdom that did not come from us, but from outside of us . . . which is why Jesus Freaks cannot boast of anything, apart from the One we’ve been given.
dddddd
What does this do to you?
For me, when I discovered that my faith did not arise from my intelligence or spiritual sensitivity, it also occurred to me that I was no better than those who did not respond. The difference between us was simply that my ears had been opened by grace.
When I realized that, a wave of thanksgiving swept over me.
I have not yet recovered.
ddddd
The Lord did not have to make me wise unto salvation, but He did.
He did not have to open my heart and grant me repentance, but He did.
He did not have to give me Christ, but He did.
ddddd
Wise men don’t seek Christ, unless they have first become fools . . . fools for Christ.
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Send in the Clowns.
ddddd
“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” ddd Luke 10:21
“my faith did not arise from my intelligence or spiritual sensitivity, it also occurred to me that I was no better than those who did not respond.”
Amen.
This is humbling, indeed.
Let’s worship The One Who Saves.