Folly: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Today is April Fool’s Day -- a day for practical jokes,

A day to be reminded of our gullibility, our naiveté;

A day to remember that sometimes we believe things that aren’t quite what they seem.

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are struggling,

But to those who are being made whole, it is Divine empowerment.” ^{1 Corinthians 1:18}

To the Jews it was sheer folly that the Messiah –

The Anointed One, the King of Kings, the Almighty Victor –

Would be hung upon a tree.

“For one who is hanged is accursed of the Elohim.” ^{Deuteronomy 21:23}

To the Greeks it was sheer folly that the one who was called
Teacher, Wonderful Counselor, Logos, 

Who debated with the teachers and philosophers in the Temple as a young child,

Would be foolish enough to challenge the status quo to the point of getting himself killed.

It is sheer folly to turn the other cheek

It is sheer folly to give your accuser the cloak off your back

It is sheer folly to go the extra mile

It is sheer folly to love our enemies ^{Matthew 5: 38-48}

Blessed are the meek?  Crazy!

Blessed are those who mourn?  Absurd!

Blessed are the merciful?  Stupid!

Blessed are the peacemakers?  Idiotic!

Blessed are the persecuted?  You’re out of your mind! ^{Matthew 5: 1-12}

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say,

‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard,

A friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’

But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” ^{Luke 7:34-35}

Conventional wisdom tells us to ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps,’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘ Feed the hungry, clothe the naked.’ ^{Matthew 25:31-46}

Conventional wisdom says, ‘blood is thicker than water,’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘whoever does the will of my Source is my brother, my sister.’ ^{Mark 3:35}

Conventional wisdom says, ‘Save for a rainy day.’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘Sell all you have and give to the poor.’ ^{Matthew 19:21}

Conventional wisdom says, ‘Buy! Climb the ladder! Look good!’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow or what to eat or what to wear, for your Source knows your every need.’ ^{Matthew 6:25-26}

Conventional wisdom says, ‘Get even. Stand your ground.’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.’ ^{Matthew 5:44}

Conventional wisdom says, ‘Be alert, watchful, wary.’

Divine Wisdom says, ‘Welcome strangers, for by doing so you may entertain angels unaware.’  ^{Romans 15:7}

 Do not deceive yourselves.

If any of you think they are wise by contemporary standards,

You should become a “fool”   so that you may become truly wise.

 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the Holy One’s sight.  ^{1 Corinthians 3:18-19}

DMClick, rev. 4-1-18