Reflection | 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 | 21 October 2020

 


A letter from Anthony...

“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.  For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19

 

Some of you may remember the television show ‘Home Improvement’ featuring the character ‘Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor’ that aired on television in the early ‘90s.  It was a show about a television tool show host and his family. 

Now if you remember the show, then you’ll most certainly remember the series of grunts that Tim would make whenever he was talking about – or even thinking about – something that was powerful.  It didn’t matter if it was a big V8-powered car, a petrol-powered drill or even a high-performance washing machine; if Tim was talking about it, his thoughts would be accompanied by a series of grunts that – in his mind at least – signified its power or manliness.  In the show Tim was never able to make anything powerful enough.  If it was fast, then he wanted to make it faster.  It didn’t matter how much power something had – Tim wanted more. 

Power is very attractive.  The world around us is attracted to power; but sadly it seeks to gain a type of power that is never able to satisfy.  Those who don’t know Jesus seek power through wealth, through earthly authority, and through influence over others.  While those who seek the type of power that is found through the weakness of the Cross, find a power that will never fade away; but are nonetheless considered fools by those who don’t know Christ.

The concept of a crucified and risen Saviour is foolishness to those who reject Jesus and the eternal life that He brings.  But to those who do see the power of God at the Cross of Jesus – the power to make fallen and broken people whole again because He defeated sin and death on their behalf – there is nothing wiser. 

May we not seek to be wise in our own eyes this week.  May we not be deceived by the things that our culture tells us are powerful.  But rather may we seek the wisdom which seems foolish to the world; true wisdom that encourages us to desire the power of the One who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. 


In Christ, Anthony







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