Embracing Divine Folly: The Paradox of True Wisdom (06/24/'24) -Message

Embracing Divine Folly: The Paradox of True Wisdom (The Wisdom of the Cross) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, I invite you to journey with me into the heart of one of the most profound mysteries of our faith—the paradox of the cross. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, the Apostle Paul presents a message that challenges our worldly understanding and calls us to embrace a divine wisdom that appears as folly to the perishing but is the very power of God to those who are being saved. The Cross: A Paradox to the World The message of the cross is seen as foolishness by those who rely on human wisdom. To the enlightened of this world, it seems like a relic of primitive belief, something to be dismissed. But to us, who have experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the cross is the power of God, a beacon of divine wisdom that transforms lives. God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom The wise, with all their books and teachings, will find their knowledge undone. The philosophers, with their endless queries and conclusions, will see their intelligence frustrated. God's boundless wisdom turns the tables on human understanding, making the wisdom of the world appear as folly. As Paul writes, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." The True Path to Wisdom Where are the sages, the teachers, the philosophers of our age? In their relentless quest for truth, they have missed the mark. They seek signs and demand proof, yet fail to see the truth laid bare in the crucified Christ. What they dismiss as foolish—a stumbling block, a scandal—is, in reality, the essence of divine wisdom and power. Embracing Divine Folly In this divine folly, we find our true calling. The Jews seek signs, the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified. This message, so simple yet profound, stands as a testament to God's infinite wisdom and strength, which far surpasses human understanding. It is in this apparent weakness that God's power is most profoundly revealed. Becoming Fools to Gain Wisdom Embracing this divine folly means relinquishing our pride and self-reliance. To become a "great fool before God" is to abandon the pursuit of earthly accolades and to embrace the humility that comes with faith in Christ. It is to recognize that in His weakness, we find strength; in His folly, we find wisdom. Conclusion The world may deride us, may label us as fools, but in this foolishness, we discover the true path to life and salvation. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and His weakness is stronger than human strength. In this paradox, we find the heart of our faith, the profound mystery of the cross, and the ultimate triumph of divine love. Let us, therefore, embrace this divine folly with all our hearts, knowing that in doing so, we align ourselves with the true wisdom and power of God. May we be bold in our proclamation of the cross, trusting in its power to save and transform. In Christ's love, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 24, 2024)