(1 Corinthians 1:18-25)…..18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
How many of you think that the world we are living in is a mess. I suppose if people were to look at that question through the eyes of the world they would say it was fine. But if we were to look at it through the eyes of the Lord, the answer would be not as positive. No one can deny that the world is changing before our very eyes. What saddens me more than anything is that we are living in a day where man is attempting to change the message of the gospel to suit their ideals and purpose. Even many evangelical churches and denominations are moving away from the message of salvation through the blood of Jesus toward a message of social activism, political correctness, psychology driven, false gospels, things that are not even part of what is declared in Scripture. The message of the Christ blood shed at His cross is quickly being replaced by a bloodless message that lacks power and that lacks hope. Instead of hearing the devastating news that men are sinners who desperately need the Saving power of Jesus Christ, people hear a message that tells them I’m o.k., you’re o.k., so don’t worry everybody is going to heaven. That is such a false narrative, and I hope you haven’t fallen for it because only those who believe on Jesus Christ and are following and obeying Him have the salvation that God speaks of in His word.
When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he reminded them that he had been called for one purpose, to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As believer’s in Jesus Christ we are called to do the same. It doesn’t matter what vocation it is that the Lord has given you, or what state of life you are in, the primary purpose for where you are is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those around you (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Why should we be so concerned (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Let’s be ready (2 Timothy 2:15).
The preaching of the gospel involves the preaching of the cross and there is no getting around that truth no matter how much it is despised. Jesus died a brutal and awful death for us on the cross. He was scourged (punished – tormented) before He was crucified (Matthew 27:26). He was mocked and spit on (Matthew 27:27-31). He was beaten (Luke 22:63-64). His beard was ripped from His face (Isaiah 50:6). Then He was nailed to the cross. You and I cannot even begin to imagine all the pain that Jesus was forced to endure for our sakes (Isaiah 52:13-14).
What has happened for us because of the cross of Christ? When a person places his/her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that person is changed forever. The chains of sin are broken (Romans 6:6) (Romans 6:14) and we are made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). So now, no blood washed, blood bought child of God will ever experience the torment of hell (John 5:24) (Romans 8:1).
And yet, the message of the cross is strange to those who have never experienced its life changing power. We see in (1 Corinthians 1:18)….For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Wow, the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. I hope that no one who is reading this devotion thinks that the cross and even Christians are foolish or silly, because that would not be good for you. The word foolishness comes from the same word which we get the word moron. To those who are dead in their trespasses and sin, the idea of trusting a suffering, bleeding man for salvation is moronic. But to those being who are being saved the gospel is powerful. It is powerful because it has revealed God’s power in changing us (Romans 1:16-17). There is only one way for you to get to God and to enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven, and that is by the way of the cross (Acts 4:12) (Hebrews 9:16-28) (1 Peter 1:13-21). Today I invite you to come to Jesus Christ, repent of your sin and rebellion against Him, and place your faith in Him for your salvation. Don’t be a fool like the rest of the world.