Epiphany
February 3, 2017
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him’—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. –1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Are we still crucifying the Lord of glory today? Are we different from the first-century people who longed for a savior but wanted to be saved on their own terms? God provided us with a Savior and we vex him still today.
How do we mesh together human wisdom and God’s wisdom? Our ancestors in faith left us a wonderful legacy of what it means to live in and out of God’s wisdom in the writings that became the Bible. Studying and learning from their experiences should help us avoid the same pitfalls. As with human history, we do not learn well from God’s history either. Change the places and names in the book of Amos and it would describe our world today.
Studying is only fruitful when our hearts, minds, and souls are aligned with God’s wisdom. Opening ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is key to coming in sync with God. It may be painful at times. Just like starting a new physical exercise program, re-engaging the muscles of our souls may ache a bit as we realize how far we have drifted from God. Besides being our trainer, the Holy Spirit also provides the balm needed for holy healing.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we chase after lesser gods and claim them as savior. Reconnect us with the one who died to save us, Jesus Christ who promised and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us through life’s journey. Thank you Lord for saving our souls. Amen.