1 CORINTHIANS 1
20 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? 21 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. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. – 1 Corinthians 1:20-25
1 CORINTHIANS THE CROSS OF CHRIST FROM DIFFERENT VIEWS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
To the world, the cross is foolishness and does not make sense
But to the believer, it is all that matters; it is their strength
According to the world, it is irrational to sacrifice and suffer
But Jesus died on the cross so we can handle adversities and trials.
The most asked questions by unbelievers to Christians are these: “Why did your God die on the cross and suffer?” and “Why does God allow suffering in this world?” The world cannot understand the concept of suffering because the system of the world focuses on the “self” and what is comfortable. It does not understand “true love.” It knows transactional relationships which is all about what one could get or have if they get into affairs and contacts with others. It doesn’t understand the concept of “sacrifice.” It opposes anything that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar and hard. Many false religions cater to the comfortable and the easy path. These religions do not have a true and sovereign God who made all things and have authority over everything on earth and beyond.
In this letter, Paul boldly presents the radical concept of God preferring the weak against those who think they are intelligent, knowledgeable and wise according to this world. True wisdom comes from knowing Christ and acknowledging that God is the Maker and Owner of everything we see on earth and also all things unseen. When we believe in Jesus, we learn to discern the true meaning of the cross. We begin to accept suffering and pain.
REFLECTION
- What do you think of Christians who are comfort seekers and avoid pain, trials and sufferings?
