1 Corinthians 1
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no [t]man may boast before God. Observation-What does it mean? Paul is writing to the church at Corinth. Corinth was a port city approximately 40 to 50 miles west of Athens. It was an important city on the trade route between the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. It was a city of mixed cultures, where Jews, Greeks, Romans, Syrians, Egyptians, etc., came into contact with each other on a daily basis. This unique location made it a strategic place to plant a church, due to the ability to spread the gospel message to the rest of the world. However, this culture also posed a problem for the church, as it made the church vulnerable to outside influences and the blending of different doctrines. In the opening words of this letter, Paul makes a call to unity within the body of Christ. He makes a bold statement, which is repeated to the body in other cities as well, that we are to focus our message on Christ’s crucifixion, which is our salvation. To the world this message is foolishness and to the religious this message is a stumbling block. Jesus himself gave us the message that his message of love was a point of division. In Matthew 10:21-22 we read, “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” The author of the letter to the Hebrews wrote, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Understanding-What does it say? It’s strange that you sometimes don’t know the effect a person has on your life until you don’t have them anymore. This was surely the case with Agnes, my wife’s grandmother. I had the pleasure of having her be a part of my life for about ten years of my life. She called me her “friend” in the most endearing way. I would come over to spend time with Jen, while we were still dating, and I would often hear from the back room, “Is my friend here?” I greatly enjoyed spending time with her. But, it wasn’t until she was gone that I realized the depth of wisdom she had imparted on me. Lessons like, it’s good to share a beer with friends, be passionate about the ones you love, clean up after yourself, and tell good jokes. Most of all, Agnes taught me the importance of sharing the gospel. She was an embodiment of the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Her home and her heart was always open, and she was willing to share whatever she had. She was patient and kind, and I can’t think of a time she was boastful. She shared her love with whoever came into her life, which sometimes caused her to sacrifice greatly. She was not a woman with great accolades or degrees to speak of, but, she loved all, the great and small. The message of Christ is a message of love. God loved us so much, he was willing to send Jesus to sacrifice for us (John 3:16). He loved us before we were cool, while we were still deep in our sins (Romans 5:6-8). His message asks us to show love for others (1 John 3:16-18), even if it means we need to act like fools, or be looked at as unintelligent because of a message of a savior who died more than 2000 years ago. Our message cannot change, just like our savior is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8). So hold fast, even as the world is becoming violent towards our message, because His love will be victorious and we cannot be separate from Him (Romans 8:38-39).
Life Application
Jesus, give me the strength to preach your message, even as the world becomes more hostile towards You. Help me to hold fast to your living word. For you are my strength in this time of need. Your foolishness is wiser than the world’s wisdom, and your weakness is stronger than the world’s strength.
-Tyler Galloway