Following Christ Is Always The Most Glorious Option

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Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

I find the story of Jesus is a guide to the truth, no matter whether one believes the Resurrection was “real” or that the Second Coming will happen, literally, as  Revelation describes. I’ve not met even an atheist who will say that Jesus was wrong, or even foolish, to willingly die, unjustly, upon the cross.

And to forgive His tormentors in the process? Even my most vengeful friend has said he finds that a heroic act.  “I wish I could have that kind of strength,” this friend once admitted to me.

So it’s disheartening to me to see and  hear others so readily dismiss Jesus and His story, especially during their times of distress.

“Yeah, yeah… Jesus died for my sins. I know all that. I don’t need to be reminded! It doesn’t help me now!”

That’s just foolish.

Lest it appear I’m on a self-righteous path this morning, it’s confession time. I must admit that I did not just quote a friend. I’ve uttered those very words myself. Many times in fact.

Jesus’s story didn’t help me in those times —  because I didn’t let it work. I didn’t choose to follow Truth — usually because the truth was too painful to even consider.

I compare my situation in those cases to the famous-but-horrifying predicament of the stranded hiker who had to cut off an appendage to save his life. Had that been me, such pain would not have seemed an option. I’m sure I would have chosen death.

Yet it clearly was an option for the hiker — a glorious one, in fact.

Today’s reading helps me remember that, though I have sometimes talked myself out of believing in the Truth of Christ, He is The Truth nevertheless. And I am just foolish if I choose not to believe.  Actually I’m more than foolish. I am as good as dead.

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (Verse 18)

It is inspiring to think of how often I end these devotionals with this very line: thanks be to God for eternal hope.