Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31         

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

You simply cannot, in my opinion, read and understand the first chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians without sighing deeply and declaring, “I’m so glad for God.” Is that a strange expression? Perhaps. But take a few moments to read our text for this week, from verse 18 to the end of the chapter and see if you might not agree.

God’s plan is nothing like the plans of men. My first point of gladness begins to creep in here. God destroys the best attempts of mankind to show by what they think is foolish that He is infinitely wise. Strength in man He trades for His weakness to show His limitless power. That’s our God. The remainder of the passage emphasizes what I’ll call “Men, Method, and Motto.”

The men and women God calls into His family aren’t impressive on their own. Not a single one. And as we have already encountered, His methods are a bit “topsy-turvy” in comparison with how those unimpressive men and women would say things ought to be. And lastly, the motto comes from quoting the truly great Jeremiah, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (v. 31b). 

There you have it, along with the reminder, “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus …” (v. 30a). I’m just so very glad for God. Our epistle reading is a hallmark reminder that God is the reason we are His from first to last. Nothing lacking. Be ye glad!