Lent 2014
April 15, 2014
Read Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God….For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth….He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ — 1 Corinthians 1:18; 25-26; 30-31
In the first century there was probably no greater humiliation than to be crucified. It was designed to be so. The Romans wished to set examples of those who challenged their wisdom and power. For Paul, Christ crucified translated into Christ resurrected. Christ overcame all worldly wisdom and power.
Now the Corinthians were caught in a major dispute over who was right and who was wrong and who was “spiritual” and who was not. Apparently the Corinthians were boasting about the gifts they had been given as setting them apart as something special. Paul wrote this letter to get them back into understanding that Christ was the center of their faith. He then moves on to say that yes most of us are just regular humans not necessarily wise or powerful but as followers of God through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, we have chosen to be a servant within God’s great wisdom and power.
God has gifted each of us with skills and talents that need to be used for the Kingdom of God to come to fruition. We see that in the people who prepare and deliver mobile meals, sing in the choir, tend our flower beds, or tutor at Putnam Heights. No one is ever asked to do everything, but when each person does what God has called them to do within the time and talent God has given them the whole world moves one step closer to the Kingdom of God. This season of prayer for Putnam Heights is an opportunity to do just that, as we consider ways we can enrich the learning experience of the children there.
Prayer: Lord, we have seen your work throughout history. Help us realize it continues to this day and that we are a part of it. Amen.
The identities of students, families, or staff in stories that are shared in the devotions have been altered to protect their privacy. Any similarities between these stories and the experience of others are coincidental. No stories about students, families of students, or staff from Putnam Heights Elementary School are included in any of these devotions.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.