Where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters?

 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31v 22 “It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.”

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. Where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So, when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. God called you. He chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. Christ made us right with God. Therefore, as the Scriptures say,” If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

For this first two of this week’s blog posts I noticed they started with a question so today I looked for the question in this passage and started with that. A question that I have been grappling with as I am choosing to spend time in my retirement at university talking about things and discussing theories when for most of my life, I have been a problem solver. A practical person putting theories into action. The big message in this passage is that Jesus on the Cross shows us the power of God. That no amount of debate by people a lot smarter than me can change that message, the redeeming power of God is available to all who believe. And whatever we are doing in life discussing theories, practically doing good works, or simply completing daily tasks, Christ made us right with God. If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.

Heavenly Father who has our best interests at heart, we thank you for the wisdom we see in Jesus on the Cross and the strength that we are given in His name. Amen.