Saturday, October 5, 2024

Today's Scripture
1 Corinthians 2:6–13

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” — these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. (NRSV)

Reflection

Growing up, life was simple. There were only two kinds of kids: the cool kids and the smart kids — “Never the twain shall meet” (Rudyard Kipling). The cool kids had the best hair, fun sneakers, and always had a cute date for the dance. The smart kids tolerated their glasses, did science fair projects, and (kiss of death) were acknowledged by the teachers. Now imagine your mother was a teacher, your teacher. Yikes. Smart wasn’t cool. (Full disclosure, I won science fairs from the fourth through eleventh grades).

Paul, quite the prolific author, using a quill on parchment leaves and likely writing in Greek (without spellcheck) wrote two letters to the Corinthians: the first — the community of Corinth was way off track, succumbing to paganism, doubtful of the resurrection, and in need of an intervention; and the second — to reset his authority in response to challenges by those undoubtedly smart ones who dismissed his credentials (we humans have been contrarians for several millennia). And for context, Paul founded the Christian community in Corinth. This was personal.

But now we see the spiritual guidance and brilliant communication of Paul — definitely meeting the bar for smart. Rather than beg for voice, Paul elevated the discourse and moved from smart to wise. He went irrefutable. By invoking God’s perfect wisdom and setting the highest bar, “What no human mind has conceived,” he makes all other earthly considerations, challenges, and pushbacks petty and small. His response: it is the Spirit who is from God that is our path to “the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

And then this. Paul speaks of the “depths of God.” Omnipotence? Omnipresence? Omniscience? Suddenly being smart isn’t smart enough. We should follow Paul’s lead and become smart in a different way. We must master a new language, engage in an otherworldly and unimaginable illumination, and embrace Spirit-guided thoughts.

None of us is smart enough; we must become Spirit-wise.

Prayer
Does not wisdom call out?

Does not understanding raise her voice?

At the highest point along the way,

where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

For those who find me find life

and receive favor from the Lord.

Amen.

(Prayer from Proverbs 8:1–2, 35 NIV)

Reflection written by Clyde Yancy, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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