|
|
|
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
New International Version (NIV)
| |
|
Have you ever had a Moxie soda? Years ago on a mission trip to New England we were introduced to Moxie. The locals in Lowell, Massachusetts were proud that they were the home of Moxie soda. Every town has a claim to fame. Ask the people in Kansas City who makes the best barbecue in the world. They have a strong opinion that they do. Texans beg to differ. North Carolinians pull in a different direction entirely on that subject.
Ancient Greece prided themselves in wisdom. It was their claim to fame. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle - all came from Greece. When Paul landed in Athens he appealed to the wise in the city in order to try to win them to Christ. But when he got to Corinth, he took a different approach. He went back to the basics and preached Jesus who was the "true wisdom from God, that is righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1:30).
Some of Paul's opponents in Corinth may have dismissed him as a "country bumpkin." He did not have the credentials of a Greek rhetorician or orator. Paul had been a Rabbi. But Paul pointed to a higher wisdom in Jesus. Quoting from Isaiah 64:4 he says, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love him -- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit."
Paul probably never read the Gospel of John, but he was surely familiar with the idea that God would send his Holy Spirit to teach his church about Jesus. Paul echoes that thought when he envisions the Spirit revealing the deepest truths about God. People who have the Holy Spirit take no backseat to the brilliant intellects of the world. Francis Collins, the brilliant scientist and follower of Christ has been in the news these days as we battle Covid-19. He told about a time when he asked famous atheist Christopher Hitchens a question. Instead of answering, Hitchens ridiculed him and said he was amazed a brilliant scientist would even ask such a question. In truth, Hitchens had no answer for Jesus, so in his insecurity he laughed at a mind greater than his own.
I once heard Dallas Willard say, "Jesus Christ was the smartest man who ever lived." Wise people still seek him. As the hymn writer Eliza Hewitt put it, "I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me." When we believe in Jesus Christ, we receive the Mind of Christ which by any conceivable measure is greater than the mind of a Greek philosopher. Not sure? Someday Socrates, Plato and Aristotle will all bow at the feet of Jesus and acknowledge that he is Lord. If we think we are too smart for God, we have effectively outsmarted ourselves. That takes a lot of moxie!
| |
|
Pray with me:
Father, with Jeremiah we pray, "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches." But let the one boast who understands that you are the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth. In these you delight. Help us to love you with our whole minds today In Jesus' name. Amen.
| |
|
Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:25-26
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
| |
| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
| |
|
|
|
|
