Reflection: Foolishness

When’s the last time you noticed someone wearing a cross? Maybe you wear one? Like anything that becomes common, the cross has lost its potency. I mean, that anyone would wear it around their neck as a piece of jewelry, the cross has definitely lost its offensiveness.

But offensive is the way God would have it. From cradle to the grave, Jesus was offensive. His ‘way’ and his message: foolish.

That’s when we meet Saul, Old Testament zealot and preacher. First, he’s laughing at followers of that foolish fad, then he’s on a rampage to wipe them out, those fraudulent revolutionaries who believe in a crucified Christ.

Shazam! Christ meets him in the hateful act of persecution, and he’s turned ‘chief-witness’ to the resurrected Christ! If that’s not unexpected, what is? Within months of becoming a devotee to the living Lord Jesus he’s on the road as an evangelist of that foolish, offensive message. He’ll be one of the earliest Church Fathers to the everlasting people – Christ-ones.

Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world, says he. *

The moment when [God’s] own dear Son is crucified–although it is laughed out of court by the tawdry ‘wisdom’ of this rebellious world…is nevertheless the moment of divine wisdom and divine power. **

Humble and obedient … to death on a cross, Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Neither despising or abhorring the affliction of the afflicted, you hid not your face from him, but heard, when he cried to him. ***

Prayer:

Thank you, Father God. May your costly love shape my today; your wisdom and power give hope to my tomorrows. Grace your world with justice, and mercifully enlighten many with this ‘foolish’ message—your glorious gospel. With all your treasured and rescued people I worship you, Father, Son and Spirit.

 * Galatians 6:14

**Don Carson

***Philippians 2:7-8; Psalm 22:24