“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty—and base things of the world and things which are despised has God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are that no flesh should glory in His Presence.”
I Corinthians 1:27-29
If Jesus Himself was “meek and lowly” (Mt. 11:30), why should we feel like we need to be “somebody” and expect others to heap praise on us?
It’s not the educational degree we hold; it’s the degree of our dependency and surrender that makes us usable to the Master. And, aren’t you glad “God has chosen the foolish (Grk. ‘moros’—‘stupid, moron, blockhead, dull, etc.’) things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty”?
Shouldn’t that give us hope?
Most assuredly it should!
Think of it:
If God could use Baalam’s donkey, surely He can use us! If the religious leaders were baffled over Peter and John’s boldness—especially since they were “unlearned and ignorant men” (Acts 4:13a)—let us never forget their “secret” (and ours) was because “they’d been with Jesus” (v.13b). Hallelujah!!
Yes, dear Pilgrim, God’s ways of doing things are most usually diametrically opposite of the world’s ways of doing things. Likewise, His way of looking at things is different than the world’s (Is. 55:8-9).
Thus, we should beware of adopting the world’s philosophies and methodologies when seeking to further God’s Kingdom. As the Lord told Zerubbabel, “It’s not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech. 4:6). That’s why He also told Jeremiah “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches—but, let him that glories glory in this: That he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, Who exercises loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth—for in these things I delight, says the Lord” (Jer. 9:23-24). Glory!!
Let others scoff at us when we pray. Let them smirk and mock us when bad things happen to us, even though we profess to be children of the King of kings. They just don’t know or understand.
But, we do!
Our Power is not of this world; instead, it is Christ’s Resurrection Power at work in us. Even though we may be “troubled on every side,” we will not “be distressed” (II Cor. 4:8a). Even though we may be “perplexed” by what’s happening to us and around us, we will not “give in to despair” (4:8b). Even though we may be “persecuted,” we will not ever “be forsaken” (v.9a). And, even in those times when we are “cast down,” we shall never “be destroyed” (v.9b). So, do not fear, dear Pilgrim; others may not understand you, but the Lord of God will applaud, sustain and vindicate you. Aren’t you glad you can be such an “oddity”?? Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated April 27, 2010
