One of the greatest Biblical scholars of all time wrote:
“For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness.”
The Apostle Paul draws a distinct difference between those who move in faith and those looking for reason, when it comes to Messiah. For who can really understand Yeshua unless you have been born in the Spirit? Therefore, is it possible to share the gospel without coming to terms with His crucifixion and resurrection.
This morning, I was listening to a report from Christian Broadcast News, where thousands of Iranians are coming to Yeshua to be baptized in His Name. This is of course no small matter. Converting to Christ in Iran will come at a great cost, for this regime has been responsible for persecuting Christians (even unto death) more than any other nation. Are these people being changed by physical signs or convincing reason? The answer is a resounding no. Instead, there seems to be wide spread reporting of visions and dreams. They are hearing from the Ruach, the Holy Spirit of Elohim.
19 For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind. I Cor 1:18-25
For the last few weeks, I’ve consistently talked about how our sinful nature has a tendency to view itself as wise. But according to Scripture, the concept of wisdom does not come from ourselves but from YHWH alone. At times, it’s hard to comprehend. Why? Because the nature and power of the One Who is the Face of Yah seems unlikely to us. It seems impossible. Hence, we protect our own interests.
The Jewish leadership “stumbled” over Yeshua, in that they could not recognize Him as their Redeemer. They sought a “king” not a “sacrifice.” The Greeks and Gentiles of the day, could not accept Yeshua in that His presence, purpose, and identity could not be explained by human wisdom.
For me, the power of the cross reaches all who are seeking truth. Whereas, the power of the cross diminishes when we try to reason it out through a preconceived or defensive lens. Last Sabbath, we were able to read about a leading religious official by the name of Nicodemus (John 3:10-21). This was a man who had looked for signs and was filled with wisdom. Yet, even he had to come to terms with the Ruach (Holy Spirit) in order to be a useful vessel in the Kingdom.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28
What can happen to a nation, to a people, to a family who seek the Spirit of YHWH in all they do and say? What happens when we are unafraid to claim Messiah—His life, His purpose, His death, and His resurrection? I dare say change will be just around the corner.
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn