“For the preaching of the cross is to them
that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor 1:18
With
the movie “Noah” coming out, I had to consider the same challenges he faced
with the truth of God; trying to get those around him to heed to the warnings of
“things not seen as yet” (Heb 11:7). Requiring
them to build a three hundred cubit boat 6 days journey from the ocean? Not only was the magnitude of the project
overwhelming, but the purpose was foolishness in man’s eyes. The attacks and slander that were levied
against Noah had to be burdensome and hurtful, yet he knew of the truth that
was ever approaching. The clever and contemptuous
mockery of those who find the Gospel foolishness stings us. Stirring up fears
of doubt and ridicule that can be avoided with we just keep our mouths shut.
God forewarns us, through Paul, that the Gospel of Christ will appear foolish
to those who are perishing, because He is (making) the foolishness the wisdom
of the world (1 Cor 1:20). Then He repeatedly tells us not to be ashamed (Lk
9:26, Rom 1:16 & 2 Tim 1:8). Like
Noah, who was “a preacher of righteousness” (2 Pt 2:5), we too are to be shares
of “events yet unseen.” Jesus tells us
that Noah’s flood was a foreshadowing of things to come (Mt 24:37-39). Yet, in
this greater judgment a greater, more perfect Ark has been provided for our deliverance:
the crucified and risen saviour Jesus!
If such preaching was foolish sounding for Noah, more so for us, thus we
should not be surprised that “it pleases
God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor 1:21).
A Christian’s call is not for the
respect of the unbelieving world; our job is to warn in confidence a contempt lost
soul with the “Good News” of Jesus Christ!
HSAY…Todd
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