Lenten Reader | Day 11

March 16th, 2025

Power & Wisdom

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

The cross was a symbol of shame and powerlessness in the Roman culture. But despite appearing foolish, the cross is the instrument through which God deliberately chose to reveal His own self and unleash divine power offering salvation to believers.

He so desired a relationship with each and every one of us. The only way for this to take place is to bridge the gap left by our sins. So He gave all His love, so we could be reconciled to Him through the sacrificial blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Through His blood we can have a relationship with our Father in Heaven. We could be saved, healed, delivered, and be grafted into the family of God.

Many are confused by His love and the manner in which He desires to love us and instruct us to love.

Take the scripture in Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Or even Mark 12:31: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Or Matthew 5: 38-48: “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles.”

When we do these things, it confuses the world. But by doing these things we are pouring out Gods love upon His people. Just as Mary poured out her love for Jesus through breaking the alabaster jar and pouring out the expensive perfume upon Jesus for all to see.

But we cannot do these things alone. Without God’s help, the Holy Spirit living in us – the power of God – we are unable to love with that kind of love. When we open our hearts to God and receive and accept His love fully, we can then pour His love out to others.
What do you see when you look to the cross?

Laurie Woods