DEVOTION / Women of the Cross, Shepherds, & Us

God uses foolish, weak things!

Doesn't that sound weird? It almost seems wrong.  

God's love is simple, yet profound

But Paul reveals this truth in his letter to the Corinthians. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:26-27).

A glimpse of God's love for his people is revealed in this simple truth. God wants all to come to him.  He didn't make salvation based on your nationality, your IQ, your works, your family heritage, or other things that would make heaven unattainable. Aren't you glad? What a profound truth that Jesus has done all that is needed to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life.

"Good News" in surprise packages

This wonderful truth can be seen even in how God chose to reveal his good news of salvation. Think of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. Who were the first to hear? It was lowly shepherds with whom the angels shared the news.  These humble laborers woke up the sleepy town with God's great good news.

Think of Jesus' resurrection. Who were the first to hear? It was the faithful women who came to minister to Jesus' body. The first human voice to share the message "He is risen" was from one of these women! And so these faithful women shared God's great good news with Jesus’ own disciples before Jesus commissioned these humble, scared men to spread his word to the world.

316NOW continues God's work

God chose the foolish things… [and] the weak things of the world….  Isn't it amazing on how God uses foolish, weak things to do his work and share his message? He uses 316NOW. He uses you. Let’s follow in the grace-grateful footsteps of the lowly shepherds and the women of the cross to share the word that Jesus has done all that is needed to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life.

To God be the glory!

Prayer

Father God, throughout history you have used the simple, weak, and foolish to carry out your plan of salvation. Whether unnamed shepherds, faithful women, or the many nameless believers who shared the message of Jesus, your work has spread to the world. Bless us to be a part of that great calling. Amen.