foolishness of God
I accidentally read the “wrong” scriptures this morning. Twice when I went looking for Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, I landed in 1 Corinthians. Unusual. Worth paying attention to what might be there.
At 10:15 Sunday morning, I had that old, familiar feeling: “I wonder if anyone will show up.” We have been apart for over a year. Gathering at a park with no agenda, no service, no picnic seemed…foolish? Pointless? Without singing or snacks, preaching and prayer, would people come?
I thank my God always for you, because of God’s grace that was given to you in Jesus the Messiah. That is, you were made rich through him in everything: in all your communication and every kind of knowledge…. 1 Cor. 1:4-5
We go to church to be transformed. Not by the building, but because of what happens within that space. The power of God working through worship and teaching. And, it turns out, through people. Two, or three, or forty, or fifty gathered in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit was present to transform us from fearful individuals, separated and unsure of ourselves, into a community of saints. The fellowship that we love, made sweeter by its absence.
Perhaps we took it for granted. Like children who thought they didn’t want to go to school, we didn’t know how precious our gatherings were. But after months away, perhaps we began to doubt. What if people didn’t want to go back to church? Maybe they moved on and figured they didn’t need in-person fellowship after all.
He will also confirm your testimony about Christ until the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. God is faithful, and you were called by him to partnership with his Son, Jesus the Messiah our Lord. 1 Cor. 1:8-9
Our first Sunday in the park was confirmation- of our testimony, of God’s faithfulness, of our partnership with Jesus in this work and ministry. I am encouraged! Just as Paul exhorted the church, I was strengthened in hope and joy. God is at work among us, transforming us through our gathering together.
I look forward to worshiping together in the sanctuary this Sunday. Perhaps to some it is foolishness. Even I think so at times. How and why God works continues to mystify me.
But to those who are called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom. This is because the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Cor. 1:24-25 (CEB)
Today, tomorrow, and each Sunday whether we are together or apart- God is at work in us. May we depend on the foolishness and weakness of God to be our wisdom and our strength.
-Renée
“Enlarge Our Hearts” (Valerie Hoffman)
06/06 Bulletin
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