let the word shine
“Preach the gospel — not with wordy “wisdom,” however, lest the cross of Christ be rendered void of its meaning!” —1 Corinthians 1:17
Jesus chose the uneducated, those who did not speak well (1 Cor 1:27-28). The Lord called St. Paul, who admitted he did not speak well (2 Cor 11:6) and was unimpressive in person (2 Cor 10:10). God called Moses, who was “slow of speech and tongue” (Ex 4:10) and a “poor speaker” (Ex 6:12). However, God told Moses that He Himself would assist him in speaking (Ex 4:12).
Apollos was an eloquent speaker (Acts 18:24). We do want to present the Gospel as skillfully as we can. But we don’t want to obscure the cross and its power by our human wisdom (1 Cor 1:17; 2:1). We want people to follow the crucified Jesus rather than a particular person, however dynamic they might be. People follow a charismatic personality, but when that person dies, the followers tend to disappear (see Acts 5:36-37).
No wonder that St. Paul, a few verses after warning about preaching with “wordy” wisdom (1 Cor 1:17), said that he would speak of nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). That is the power of God leading to salvation (Rm 1:16).
It’s a balancing act that only the Holy Spirit can bring to perfection. We want “to do well” in skillfully presenting the Gospel (1 Tm 5:17), but we don’t want to obscure the message and power of the cross. Lift high the cross. Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to serve Your Word skillfully while also letting Your Word speak powerfully through my life.
Promise: “A people living in darkness has seen a great light.” —Mt 4:16
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, the incarnate and eternal Word!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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