Today’s Reflection
A COUNTRY BOY attended a formal dinner party. When the scalding-hot mashed potatoes touched his tongue, he spat them back out onto his plate. Looking up at the other guests, he said, “You know, some fools would have swallowed that.”
That’s evidently what folks in Corinth say when they hear Paul preaching about a crucified Christ [1 Corinthians 1:18-25]. Paul uses the word from which we get the word moron. The idea of a crucified savior is a contradiction in terms. You’d have to be a fool to believe it.
Paul says that some folks look for signs, miracles, or estoteric experiences. Others look for rhetorical wisdom that will confirm their assumptions or provide theological justification for their prejudices. But Paul dares to believe that the moronic word of the cross is God’s power that is stronger than human strength and God’s wisdom that is wiser than human knowledge.
– James A. Harnish
Easter Earthquake
From page 61 of Easter Earthquake: How Resurrection Shakes Our World by James A. Harnish. Copyright © 2017 by James A. Harnish. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What is powerful about Paul’s image of Christ crucified? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7, NRSV
This Week: Pray for persons who experience chronic pain. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Patrick of Ireland (March 17).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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8 Comments
As an individual with several advanced degrees in varous science disciplines, accepting anything merely on words is against my nature. However, I was taught during Catechism classes that our belef should be based faith. We need to believe the words of the Bible with our hearts rather than our heads. Faith does not make sense and that is its beauty.
Blessings, prayers, and thank you for all the UR family who visit, post and share
Paradise on Earth is whre I am.
Voltaire
I learned yesterday that a co-worker has been in constant pain for almost 2 weeks and cannot sleep at night. She looked so tired and moved so carefully so as to not make the pain worse. I immediately thought of those in our UR family who also suffer with pain as I spoke with her and looked into her eyes. This week we are asked to pray for those who experience chronic pain. I lift you all up in prayer. Blessing.
“Whiter than snow”…..we have a few patches of snow left and they are still white. However, some are less white and muddy. Lord, help me to be “whiter than snow” and not the muddy mix. Purge me with Hyssop. Amen
April, I also talked with a neighbor yesterday who is in pain. Pain steals her sleep and her energy and I am praying for her. Prayers for your co-worker also.
Prayers for families….Jill’s, Mary’s, Lou’s, Robert’s and all who have shared here. “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in human love”.
(Julie, love your quotes.)
Thank you Connie for prayers for all. We have no snow here now, the sky is blue with fluffy white clouds. Sweet dreams to all.
Thanks Connie for your prayers
Please pray for good tenants and rental as our tenants are moving out this month
Blessings to all and may all be well with you
Will do.
Thanks dear Connie
May God bless you abundantly
There may come a day when science, math, and history provide the proof so many humans hunger for, but this scripture passage and Jesus’ words about wheat dying to provide a harvest tell the story of faith. Faith is a truth too.
Those suffering from chronic pain need to be lifted up daily. I know people who suffer from this and present the warmest countenance. Pain saps your energy. Lord, You are able to sustain those with chronic pain without narcotics. Thank You, Lord.
I’m very thankful that Anneliese made it to the doctor despite the snow and the doctor was able to monitor three episodes she had at the office. Ablation and electric shock to restore a regular heart beat are prescribed. She has medication to take and will see a second doctor on the 24th
Isis is home, Pearl is keeping us active and entertained..She’s a very loveable cat.
Lenten lunch today, less snow, the driveway was plowed yesterday. Time to get ready.
Blessings and prayers for all.
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