1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Yes, Jews ask for signs, Greeks desire wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified—which is offensive to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. We preach Christ crucified, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we fail to see your power and wisdom, trying to focus on our abilities rather than Christ crucified. There, in Jesus, both your power and wisdom are perfectly displayed.
When Paul wrote this letter, the Jews wanted proof that Jesus was the Messiah. Despite his fulfilling the prophets: born to a virgin, born in Bethlehem, a descendent of David, and being pierced for our sins. Yet they need more proof of his power. Because calming the storms, healing the sick, and casting out demons was not enough. He also raised the dead, and when he returned from the grave, they paid the guards to say they fell asleep, and his disciples took him. However, Jesus demonstrated his power over death. So we have confidence that he will raise all believers on the last day.
The wisdom of Jesus exceeds anything we could imagine. Jesus created the world with you and the Holy Spirit in six days. You made a world that can heal and reproduce itself. Your creation is so vast that after all these ions of people living here, we have only scratched the surface of what is around us. When we fell into sin, you came up with a plan for Jesus to become like us because we needed a Savior to save us from the punishment of our sins. There had to be no other way to do it.
Lord, forgive our sins and strengthen our faith so we can still trust and believe fully in you even when we don’t fully grasp you with our limited abilities. We pray for those who still want to see a sign or desire wisdom; may they discover your love and mercy. Let us share the complete forgiveness of sins that Jesus has already accomplished for them. So they might also trust your words recorded by Paul, your foolishness is wiser than man, and your weakness is stronger than man. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
When we compare ourselves to God, we are insignificant, but when we stand next to God, trusting in him. You have become equipped with God’s strength and wisdom. So stop trying to compete with him, and receive the love and mercy he wants to give you.