Devotion - Monday, February 27

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing."

I came full circle this morning, reflecting on this verse from I Corinthians 1.17. Paul is making his introductory remarks to the church in Corinth. We know (from our study of this letter) that he will soon be pointing out to them the ways in which some members of the community have fallen away from the teachings he had set before them.

Is he saying, in the verse above, that as a result of their rejection, they will be left to perish? Is he implying that "the cross" is scorned or rejected by some?

Or might he be lamenting the situation as he sees it. There is this wonderful opportunity set before the Corinthians (the same opportunity set before us.) This is the chance to experience life as God would have us experience it. This is the opportunity to live life united with God and joined with all God's creation. But it comes packaged in "the word of the cross". And our aversion to that symbol prevents us from approaching. We find ourselves positioned before the opportunity, but we turn away, thinking it to be "folly."

Yes, it seems to be folly, that God would set aside the heavens in order to be among us. Yes, it appears to be folly that God would die - even die a criminal's death. It seems strange, and odd, but it is the way.

How many other times, in our daily lives, will the way of God seem strange or odd? Do we not miss the opportunity to live as God would have us live, because that way would look foolish to so many others? Give my money to some guy who shows up at the church door? Offer a ride to the person staying along side the highway? Spend my precious few hours at the after-school program for struggling students? Love my enemy and pray for those who hate me?

"For the way of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to use who are being saved it is the power of God."