Foolishness and weakness – attributes of God? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

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.
1 Corinthians 1:25.18.

Foolishness and weakness – attributes of God?
If the first of today’s verses above were not in the Bible, no-one would dare to attribute such characteristics to God! How can God, the Creator of the universe display weakness, and how can one assert that “God, alone wise” (Romans 16:27) can be foolish?

Here the apostle Paul uses terms that unbelievers apply to the gospel. They find it impossible that God became Man in the Person of Jesus Christ, died being crucified in shame like a robber to forgive sins and then rise from among the dead. Such apparent weakness in Christ was scandalous for Jews who expected a glorious Messiah, a king who would deliver them from the yoke of the Roman Empire. And for the Greeks whose philosophers sought wisdom it was sheer folly!

The gospel, however, God’s tremendously good news, was preached in the world without any display of riches, power or eloquence, but by Jesus, who possessed nothing on this earth. It continued through twelve apostles and disciples who proclaimed salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and was raised by the power of God. They did so despite persecution, sometimes risking their lives. But the power of the gospel led to the faith of a multitude of people of all nations and social classes, including philosophers, orators, and scholars even up to the present day. Those who have accepted this good news know that Jesus is truly the power of God and the wisdom of God (v. 24).

Today’s reading: Zechariah 4:1-14 · Mark 12:35-44