"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being save 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--NIV)
It was a good time in DC yesterday with my friend, Dan. He said it was like a "good civics class." We prayed in the Supreme Court Building the passage from Job 12 which I sent the other day. If you have not read that, I encourage you to read it. It is another great passage to pray for nations.
Job 12 is an appropriate "commentary" on our text, "To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His....He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders." Paul picks up this theme in our text, and it is fundamental to understanding the "walk" in the Living Triune God. When anyone comes to Jesus Christ, involved in our repentance is an utter contempt for any "wisdom" and "intelligence" which you and I think we may have. I have observed those who depend on, even pride themselves and bask in the adulation of others, concerning their "wisdom" and "intelligence." The dangerous word and attitude, "pride," is what stands out. The Blessed Trinity will not stand for this in His Church and Kingdom.
Beware too much flattery towards others concerning their "wisdom" and "intelligence." You are just adding to their eventual downfall. Pray that the Twenty-First Century Church of Jesus Christ will be known for, more than anything or anyone else, "....the message of the Cross...." If we are praying for "revival," if we are praying for "break-throughs" in our nations, Churches, cities and personal lives, it will come only when, "....the message of the Cross is [proclaimed] to those who are perishing...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, "Keep me near the Cross." Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
