Third Sunday in Lent

Third Sunday in Lent

“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.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25   “And through these days of penitence,  and through thy passiontide,  yea, evermore in life and death,  Jesus, with us abide.” “Lord Who throughout These Forty Days” vs. 4, by Claudia F. Hernaman  

 “Christ crucified, God's power and wisdom!” Humility and foolishness are not something you may put on your resume' if you're looking for a good paying job, but great credentials if you aspire to follow Jesus and are a kingdom seeker! How many of us remember the words of Jesus to his disciples?  "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)  In Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, built over the site where it is believed that Christ was born, has hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  At one entrance of the church is a small door, known as the door of humility, which in the Ottoman time was created to keep marauders mounted on horses from entering.   It is fitting today that every visitor who enters through this door must stoop down or bend over, just as Christ, the very God who created the universe, bowed low to enter our human existence and then bowed lower by allowing himself to be crucified as a criminal on the cross.  

The test of true greatness, it could be argued, is humility.  Likewise, the test of true wisdom is arguably to be emptied of human wisdom to make room for God's wisdom.  This also requires an act of humility. What actions do I need to take to be emptied of self righteousness, pride, and worldly wisdom?  What am I willing to do to know Christ more fully? As we read in today's scripture the preaching about the cross is foolishness to many people, but to those who believe it is wisdom, and power and might.

Dear God, Thank you for paving the way for us to know you and to be in relationship with you.  Through your birth and death on the cross you showed us the way to the father is through humility and self-denial.  Lord we receive you as our Savior!  Help us to follow your example all the days of our lives.  Amen! -Brenda Awad Global Ministries Missionary in Palestine and Israel