PRAY: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
READ: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31
MEDITATE:
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth (v. 26).
In these verses Paul introduces one of the dominant themes of this letter: the power of God in the gospel shines brightest in humility. Here he reminds the Corinthians of their humble origins. Later, he will comment on his own humble preaching (2:1).
Consider this question with me: Why does God have a habit of using the humble? Why does God choose the things that are low and despised in the world (v. 28)? Why do children, the most humble and needy, find their way to Jesus’ arms while the proud, rich, and independent walk away in frustration (Mathew 19:13–22)?
Perhaps it is because the humble have no connection to their importance or independence and are therefore naturally inclined to trust. Children are forced to trust. They possess nothing independently: no money, food, clothing, or shelter. Nothing. They literally must trust to survive. Perhaps this is the quality that our Lord saw and loved in children. Perhaps this is the quality that he desires to see in us: trust.
It appears that the church in Corinth began in a place of humble trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the church grew in importance, as the church grew in resources, it seems that the church forgot its heritage of dependence.
Questions and Application:
- What does this passage say?
- What does this passage mean?
- Have you built up any illusions of independence?
- Do we need to return to a heritage of trust?
PRAY: Most Holy Father, may our knowledge of you shine ever more clearly within us, that we may perceive the breadth of your blessings, the extent of your promises, the height of your majesty, and the depth of your judgment. May your kingdom rule in us now, through grace, and bring us at last to your kingdom of light where we shall see you as you are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.