March 5 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 34–36; Mark 9:30–50

Power of the Powerless

God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21

READ 1 Corinthians 1:18–31

“We are in the centre of power and yet we are powerless,” reflected a church leader in Moscow. But although they couldn’t stop the so-called “special military operations”, they could, in fact, act. “We are gospel people . . . the ‘nobodies’ of 1 Corinthians 1,” observed the leader. “It is our very powerlessness and insignificance and foolishness that can also be our strength, if it is handed to God.” During the conflict, he and others sought to worship, pray, serve and speak truth to their neighbours.

This leader referred to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Christians, in which the apostle defended the wisdom of God over the foolishness of the powerful: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Paul addressed the divisions of this church, which was located in a city of debauchery and excess, not unlike some of our cities today. He called believers in Jesus not to be swayed by the trappings of power, but to trust the God who chooses the weak and the foolish to shame the strong and the wise (v. 27).

We too might feel hopeless about wars between nations and the rancour that exists between people closer to home. But we can trust our ever-wise God, who is more powerful than any earthly ruler. Through Christ, He redeems us and makes things right.

By Amy Boucher Pye

How do you put your trust in God when things feel hopeless? How have you seen God turn the wisdom of the world on its head?

Loving God, You are pained by all of the fighting that goes on between nations, communities and families. Please help me to be Your agent of peace and love.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Writers of the New Testament were themselves students of Scripture, and their writings reflect knowledge of the Old Testament. Occasionally they preface their use of the Old Testament with words like “to fulfil” (Matthew 1:22) or “it is written” (1 Corinthians 1:19, 31). Paul bookends his teaching in 1 Corinthians 1:19–31 about the wisdom and power of God that are inherent in the preaching of the gospel with quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah. The section begins with a citation from Isaiah 29:14 and ends with words based on Jeremiah 9:24, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”