Devotional: I Pity the Fool

1 Corinthians 1 Sunday, July 15, 2018

S: For the word of the cross is folly 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.” (Isaiah 29:14) 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, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 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.” (1 Corinthians 1:18–31 ESV) O: The church of Corinth was divided because of the arrogance of its more powerful members. Paul wanted them to work together for the advancement of the gospel. He wants them to drop their divisive one-upmanship, build up the faith of those who are weak, and witness effectively to unbelievers. A: According to worldly standards, I’m not wise. I quit school before finishing the 9th grade, went to a small Bible college. I’m not powerful or of noble birth; I’m an alien in Japan, born to missionary parents and a rookie in the music business. I have flaws physically and psychologically. “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are…” Thanks be to God I don’t have stellar educational background or prestigious background, that I may not boast in myself or my background but boast in Christ alone. I’ve been so childish and selfish. I must drop my one-upmanship; stop trying to feel superiority over others and unite with my brothers and sisters, build up faith of those who’re weak, and witness to unbelievers. P: God thank you for Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Thank you that you can use someone like me for the advancement of the gospel. I am nothing. Thank you that the cross is my wisdom. Lead me into your righteousness and capture my heart with your love. May I unite with my brothers and sisters for the advancement of the gospel.