The Cross: Where Wisdom and Folly Meet (06/24/'24) -Message

The Cross: Where Wisdom and Folly Meet Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we gather to reflect on a profound truth that challenges our conventional understanding and invites us into a deeper relationship with God. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the paradox of the cross, a symbol that, while seemingly foolish to the world, reveals the very wisdom and power of God. In the bustling marketplace of ideas, human wisdom is highly prized. We celebrate intellect, innovation, and achievement. Yet, in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul confronts this worldly wisdom with a startling message: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The cross, an instrument of execution and shame, stands at the heart of our faith as a beacon of God’s ultimate wisdom. It tells a story that upends our expectations and invites us to see through the eyes of faith. Where the world sees defeat, we see victory. Where the world sees weakness, we see divine strength. This is the divine paradox of the cross. Paul further urges us in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 to “become fools” in the eyes of the world so that we may become truly wise. This call is not to embrace ignorance but to adopt a posture of humility and dependence on God. It is an invitation to let go of our pride and self-reliance, to recognize the limits of human understanding, and to trust in the higher wisdom of God. In our daily lives, embracing this divine folly means valuing what God values, even when it seems contrary to societal norms. It means loving our enemies, forgiving those who wrong us, and finding strength in our moments of weakness. It means seeing every challenge as an opportunity to lean on God’s wisdom rather than our own. The cross teaches us that true wisdom often appears as folly. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our values and priorities. As we embrace the paradox of the cross, we align ourselves with God’s perspective, finding life in what seems like loss, and strength in what appears to be weakness. Let us, therefore, stand firm in our faith, not ashamed of the gospel, but proud to be “fools” for Christ. For in this divine folly, we find the wisdom and power that transforms our lives and leads us into the eternal embrace of God’s love. May we walk this path with courage and conviction, continually seeking the wisdom of the cross and sharing its transformative message with a world in desperate need of true wisdom and hope. In Christ’s love and grace, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 24, 2024)