November 3, 2021 — 1 Corinthians 1:26 – 2:16

“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Paul says to the Corinthians, “Consider your own call, brothers and sisters…” Why would Paul say this to the church in Corinth? It appears because of the issue between the wealthier and poorer members of the church. Apparently, status was an issue that had infiltrated the church. The wealthier members could be considered wiser — because of their wealth — but this did not represent the majority of the members. Most were poor. Just before these verses, Paul was making the case against wisdom as being the only defining essence of true knowledge.

“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” (Verses 21-25)

No matter if you are wealthy or poor, have you considered your calling – your calling in your faith life and your calling in the life of the church? Has it changed? Are you following where G-d is calling? Paul says that G-d does not only call the wise, or the noble or the powerful to action – but also calls those who are just regular people. Of course, in the eyes of G-d we are all precious, and valuable. We often think that G-d only calls those who have special talents, unique gifts, or unusual offerings. I am living proof that is not always the case.

Let Us Pray,

Lord Christ, G-d chose what is low, what is weak, what is foolish by human standards to show G-d’s power – which is the righteousness found in Jesus Christ. Help me to consider my call. Where, G-d are you calling me today? Amen.

Pastor Dave