June 12 | I Corinthians 1:18-25

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DAILY READING

I Corinthians 1:18-25

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REFLECTION

What Would You Say?

By David Thompson

This is a powerful verse. As some of you know, I have been having some health issues lately. I have confound a number of doctors, but I hope there is an end in site. With that said, in this passage we are told that "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The smartest and most talented doctors at the world famous James and other OSU medical centers can be confounded by our human bodies, but as the verse states in the passage, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom." Oh, no wonder the doctors are confounded. They studied us for a few years with finite brains. God not only understands all, he created our bodies, so He really knows them inside and out. As I, like Paul, have sought God's healing, I am very comfortable if He, through His, decides to heal or not heal me and likely all of those that believe and pray to Him for healing.

I spent a number of years going to homes of church visitors; those who were ill; and many regulars that seemed to be acting differently than usual. We had a memorized salvation program in case the need and opportunity arose. It was called "Evangelism Explosion." We would visit a bit and drink a lot of coffee. and then, if we felt led, we would ask this question, "If you were to die and go to Heaven today, what would you say would be your answer to this question that St. Peter might ask. Why should I let you into my Heaven?" We would listen closely to the responses and, if they said things like, because I'm a good person; because I attend a good church; or God loves all and will let anyone in, our decision to proceed through the program was usually, "yes." The final question of the presentation was "Is there any reason that would stop you from giving your heart to the Lord, Jesus Christ tonight?" Praise the Lord, sometimes the person visited would answer "nothing that I can think of" At this point we would lead the person in the "Sinner's Prayer."

However, many times the answer was, "I am not ready; my wife isn't here; I was raised in such and so church and I don't need to." As the passage again addresses, "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified." So simple, yet so confounding to those that are too influenced by the world today. It is simple and may look foolish to the unsaved, but its simplicity is wiser than the most well informed and complex thinker in the world.

I will close by asking the EE opening question to you. "If you were to die and go to Heaven today, what would you say would be your answer to this question that St. Peter might ask. Why should I let you into my Heaven?" If it is anything other than you believe in Christ crucified and you asked forgiveness for your sins, then many in the church, including me, would be honored to speak with you and help you work through any misconceptions or road blocks.

PRAYER

Lord, I am sure many of today's readers of this devotion can state instantly that they would get into Your Heaven due to our belief in You, and Your life saving sacrifice on the cross to be able to forgive our sins and provide everlasting life. However there are many that have such false beliefs in the things of this world that they are happily not open to salvation. Lord, help each of us to be ready, not necessarily with a program, but with a story of your salvation and a prayer to the Holy Spirit to open the person's eyes. Thank you for loving us. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Thompson

I am the administrator of the Daily Worship Blog. My wife, Carla, and I have been attending UALC for seven years at the 9 o'clock service at Mill Run. We have two children, Catherine and Aaron. I have been a Christian for 53 years and am thankful that my Savior has given me two spiritual gifts that have carried me both spiritually and vocationally all my life: they are teaching and administration. I look forward to spending many years here at UALC to serve my Lord and Savior.