Christ- The power and wisdom of God

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

But to those who are being saved it is the power of God” 1Cor1:18

The message of the cross has always been a controversial topic in the ages past- and it still is. It is hard for many to believe if a bruised, weak man on an old rugged cross could ever bring redemption to the whole of mankind.

Taking the stand of a human being it may seem quite non sensical or rather “foolish” as Paul put’s it, to trust on the cross to bring forgivness of sins, but a believer on his knees cannot but believe that it was at the foot of the cross that Mercy and truth met together; Righteousness and peace kissed each other. (Psa 85:10) The beauty of the message of the cross is that it is designed to be believed by mere foolishness. 1Cor 1:21 say’s “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe”

God, in His wisdom knew that the people were far too smart to ever grasp the message of the cross. So He willed that people should get saved through the foolishness of the message.

To the book smart and the street smart, Jews and Greeks, it was a topic of mockery and laughter. Many are willing to believe things only if RHS=LHS with a sentence at the end saying “Hence Proved”, but it’s not exactly how things work out in the class room of God! The saviour on the cross will always be a stumbling block to the worldly wise.

But we know that foolishnes of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stroger than men.

The world cannot comprehend it but the fools sure can understand!

Unusually good!

Paul was many times put through the limits of danger and trouble.

It was not for a dramatic effect that Paul penned down these words when he wrote the letter to the Corinthians “in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minusone.

Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;

In journeys often, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness…. “ 2 Cor 11:23-27 All this mean much more than words could ever show!

In chapter 27 of The Acts of the Apostles, Paul is shipwrecked and havoc is all around him. Yet he is the one who encourages his fellowmen, most of whom are unbelievers.

There are many instances in which Paul is encouraged by an angel of God and at times by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Acts23:11)

This is the life of a true believer. In times of terrible situations God will strengthen and encourage us and His presence will be much more evident in our lives.

Even if we are totally shipwrecked, we will find true solace in an Island like how Paul found comfort in the Island of Malta. The people showed unususal kindness! (Acts 28:2)

That is how things would finally turn out in the end- Unusually good!