MAY 03, 2024
Topic: THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS – II
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18 – 21; 1 Corinthians 2:6 – 16
Memory Verse: “No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God…even though He made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord” – (1 Cor 2:7-8; NLT)
The events of the cross exposed the arrogance and of futility human wisdom. The intrigues, the schemes and sad betrayal all revealed the unreliability and grief in trusting the human mind (Eccl 1:18). Apostle Paul’s message in today’s text that God’s wisdom saw to it that this world would NEVER know Him through this (fleeting) human wisdom, decided to use the “foolish preaching” and message to save those who believe – remember Jesus’ words in Luke 18:17.
The message of the cross reveals the sweet, unfathomable love of Christ, and it exceeds all knowledge. It exceeds all philosophies, intellectual scholarship and brilliant debates! It exceeds every known religion, religionists and doctrines of men including atheism! It simply passes human knowledge (1 Cor 1:20, Eph 3:19)
While we were enemies, terrible sinners, loveless and wicked; deserving the consequences of our action, His sacrificial death on the cross ensured we were reconciled with God (Rom 5:10-11 KJV).
O poor, wretched soul; do you realize that your spiritual poverty was turned to abundant riches by Him who was rich as the Creator of heavens and the earth? O for grace He left His princely abode and became poor for you and me, so that His poverty can provide abundant spiritual riches for us (2 Cor 8:9). The mark of your reciprocal love should therefore be in your sacrifice to Him (2 Cor 6:4-10).
By contrast, the depth of God’s wisdom is seen in His eternal plan, which the Holy Spirit reveals only to His children (1 Cor 2:10-12,14). The Messiah’s ministry: messages and miracles were simply mind blowing, causing High Priest Caiaphas to make the statement; though in envy, of the eternal plan of God for the salvation of humans (John 11:47-52)
Dear Christian, remember that this “foolish message” was preached with passion by the Apostles and is still being preached, breaking down stony hearts and bringing many to the glorious Jesus. That is the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor1:23-25).
PRAYER: Thank You for taking my place dear Jesus, I empty my heart and mind of all intellect and call on You to fill me with Your spirit to the overflowing. In Jesus’ name, I pray.