Lent
March 6, 2015

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. — 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

We spend a lot of time trying to discern the will of God. Small groups meet about it. Books are written about it. Particularly when working together as a congregation or a committee in a congregation, we prayerfully consider everyone’s views, discuss pros and cons, and even quote scripture. In general, I think such discernment is good unless it becomes the end unto itself.

I am a basketball fan. If a basketball team operated like a church, they would never win a game. Players individually and collectively must stay in great physical and mental shape. They must eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest, learn how to handle the barrage of pundits attacking them one day and almost worshiping them the next. Most importantly they need to practice, individually and collectively. Basketball games move so fast that players must function instinctively, automatically knowing where their teammates are at any given time, being attuned to when a teammate needs a block or to be bailed out of a tight situation. One of the phrases most often heard from an unhappy coach is, “You guys are just standing around.” They must be engaged every minute they are on the court. In all honesty, players must be engaged when they are sitting on the bench, because they have to be ready to pick up in the midst of play the minute they hit the court. It works when they share a common goal, winning, and when they are willing to sacrifice themselves for the team to win.

I think Paul may be saying something similar to the Corinthians. “You guys are just standing around. Have you forgotten why you are out there in the first place?” We serve an awesome God who is with us every step of the way, whose weakness is stronger than our greatest strength. God sent his Son with the game plan, to love God, to love our neighbors, and to tell all of God’s children about God’s love by word and by deed. This is our goal and nothing should be allowed to get in the way of attaining it.

Prayer: Lord, help us be doers of the word. Amen.

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.