Foolish Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     Many Jews thought the good news of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they thought he would be a conquering King, bringing signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, and how could a common criminal be a savior? Greeks also considered the gospel foolish, and did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods, and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory.
     The good news of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many people today. Our society worships power, influence, wealth, and other futile things. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
     The message of Christ’s death for sins also sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness, but Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death. He will save us from eternal death, and give us everlasting life, if we trust him as our savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life, but their attempts will not work. The foolish people, who simply accept Christ’s offer, are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

– Life Application Study Bible (pg. 1997-1998)

Make It Rain

1 Kings 18

Many days had passed from the time God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the evil king Ahab, until He was ready to reveal His omnipotence to the nation that had turned against Him. During these times, a severe famine overtook Samaria, but the king and those he ruled were still unconvinced of the sovereignty of the true and living God. After an eventful three years of miraculous signs and provision, God spoke to the prophet Elijah, and instructed him to return to the king with another important message. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.” Could you imagine not having rain for three years? Without rainfall on the earth, there would be catastrophic damage all over the world. But, God allows things to happen so others can witness for themselves, all power belongs to Him, and He alone is deserving of worship, honor, and glory. Unfortunately, men are too consumed in their own beliefs, that they totally disregard the obvious workings of the living God, in favor of their futile idolatry.

As you read further into chapter 18, you’ll discover the very unique and elaborate plan God commanded Elijah to follow, which revealed the falsehoods and foolishness of Baal worship, and brought to light the mighty power of the God of Heaven and earth. 450 prophets who worshiped Baal were left without an answer from their “god of rain and plenty”, yet they witnessed the power of the true God with their own eyes.

Nothing compares to the power of the almighty God. Men and women are drawn away daily into deception, and allow falsehoods to overtake their sensibility, but every idol worshipped by men, has no power to do anything, except distract them from the truth. Have you pledged your allegiance to serve weak and powerless idols, or are you aligned with the God who created all things?

Contrasting Lives

Proverbs 9

Saints and sinners live contrasting lives. On the one hand, sinners strive for long life in the earth, to accumulate large amounts of material resources, while aiming to live their best lives now. Conversely, Saints are blessed with long life, as they operate in wisdom, while preparing to live their best lives in the next life. The wisdom of God is the most essential element that guides the children of God, as they are led along the righteous path. It’s by God’s wisdom, believers are able to leave the ways of the simple, in favor of the truth. Many have died, even in God, for making foolish mistakes, because foolishness has the power to cause men to fall into sin. In addition, just one error, can open the door for all types of sinful habits.

It’s important that the children of God allow His wisdom to spearhead every decision they make. This is key to avoid veering too far off the path of the righteous, as well as having a greater possibility of an extended life. Many desire to live long, but why would God grant a person long life, if they have no intentions of living it to please Him? Without wisdom, we have no clue of what God expects from us, and this could cause us to develop unhealthy lifestyles. The text mentions how even foolish women are known to be clamorous (loud), simple, and lack knowledge (vs. 13). Not only does foolishness affect women, but foolish men are well-known for exhibiting acts of cruelty, shame, and dishonor as well. I often mention, these types of behaviors are expected from sinners, but Saints ought not be seen doing unseemly things.

God is real, and His wisdom is extremely effective, but we must be willing to receive it, and apply it in our lives accordingly. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Foolish Gospel

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Men who refuse to believe in God, consider the Gospel message foolishness. Also, what these same men believe in, will determine their overall perspective on life. A fool is incapable of retaining the knowledge of God in their hearts, because they lack the desire to understand the reality of God’s sovereignty, and prefer to remain free of holy standards. Men reject God, because they enjoy the mental freedom to live as they please, but their ignorance will inevitably be their demise (if they die in their sinful state).

Jesus commissioned His disciples to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16). God often gets blamed for man’s downfall, but when people willingly reject His free gift of salvation, they set themselves up for a life of shame and misery.

In our text, the apostle Paul expounded on the fact that God’s foolishness is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. In other words, the message of the death of Christ for man’s sins sounds foolish to all who don’t believe, but Jesus arose from the grave, and His resurrection revealed His power over death, and that same power will save those who believe, from eternal death. The simplicity of this fact causes many to refuse to accept God, but if they come out of their state of pride and rebellion, God will allow for them to receive His wisdom, that will enable them to grow in knowledge and understanding of His wonderful, powerful, and saving Word!

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell