Zeal for Foolish Worship – March 4, 2024

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.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Zeal for Foolish Worship

“Christ crucified” is the Biblical message that 2,000 years ago, God sent into the world his only son, Jesus Christ, so that he could be executed on a cross where he suffered the punishment of hell and death as the substitute for every sinner, including you and me. “Christ crucified” makes it possible for sinners, who believe in and worship him as their Savior, to avoid the hell they earned for their sins and to spend eternity in heaven instead.

The Jews of Paul’s day represent those who reject Jesus as their eternal Savior because they were expecting something different. In the minds of many, eternal condemnation in hell is not the biggest problem facing them. Climate change, terrorism, politics, health issues, financial worries, and racism are bigger REAL issues, and “Christ crucified” doesn’t seem to solve those problems. If God would take care of real earthly issues, they would be more willing to listen to the Bible’s message.

The Gentiles of Paul’s Day represents all those who reject Jesus as their eternal Savior because their human reason gets in the way of faith. Christ crucified is too exclusive because it excludes the possibility that non-Christians go to heaven. Christ crucified is too restricting because it keeps me from living my life on my terms as it tells me that there are certain attitudes, words, and behaviors that are sinful. Christ crucified goes against my human pride that wants to play a role in solving my problems in my own way.

Both the attitude of the Jews and the Gentiles lead people away from Jesus and the salvation he promises to all who follow him. Do not adopt either attitude. Instead, trust the truth that Christ was crucified for you to save you from your sins and assure you of eternal life with the God who created you. It may seem foolish to many people in this world, but it is the most precious message there is.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, give me the zeal to embrace foolish worship of Christ crucified, now and forever. Amen.