Today we continue our journey to the cross. There are some real interesting readings today.
Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; I Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36
As I think about the Kingdom, it really is a backwards Kingdom. “What do you mean Dale?” you might ask. Paul writes to the church at Corinth, “The message of the cross is foolishness.” To many the message that we proclaim is foolish. Why is that?
Check this out. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
This is all backwards to the way we normally think. Let’s take the thought a step further with Jesus’ words from John.
Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
So many want to live their life all for themselves, including those who call themselves Christian. The Kingdom is different; to save your life you must lose it; if you want to be lifted up, you must be humble. Jesus told His disciples that they must pick up their cross daily and follow Him. To some the way of the cross looks foolish — the way of the cross looks backward to us. How are you doing in following the way of the cross?
