Epiphany

January 30, 2020

Scripture Reading:
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 it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
   and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 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 1:18-25

One of the major problems for humans is not what we know but recognizing what we do not know. We put a lot of faith in what we think we know, only to find out later that somethings we were taught just were not ever true or are no longer true.  That does not mean we should avoid seeking knowledge. It does mean that the quest for knowledge never ends.

We also are very good at filtering knowledge to gain the answers that we want to hear.  Following someone who was crucified for his teachings is more than a little counterintuitive unless we open our hearts and minds to the love behind the sacrifice.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving us so much that you were willing to die on the cross. We celebrate the wonder of your resurrection and hear your call to share your love with the whole world. Empower us to live your love. 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.