Daily Devotion, March 27, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Earlier in this letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul has emphasized what he saw as the core image of the gospel - the cross, Jesus’ sacrifice for everyone. But he also knew that was not a popular message. At verse eighteen of the first chapter, he wrote “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.” I am reminded of the scene at Jesus’ crucifixion when the leaders scoffed at him and said he should be able to save himself if he really was the Messiah. (He was able, but chose not to do so.) Let’s give them some credit, because it does seem ridiculous to any of us who think about it from the ways of this world.  

That message had continued to be viewed as foolish as Paul preached about it years later. But he makes it clear in this passage that “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”  

It is tempting for any of us to get caught up in various causes of this world and give our resolve to fighting for that cause. As a follower of Jesus Christ, be sure that cause is in line with him and his way. There are times and reasons to be resolved in what you are doing with your life. Use this time of the Season of Lent to make sure that your resolve is given most fully to our Lord.

Personal Worship Option:

When I read this passage, I think of one of my favorite hymns related to this Season, written by Isaac Watts in 1707. Here are three verses from it for you to reflect on today.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;

all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; 

love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.