Devotional COCIN 14TH MARCH 2024 SUB-THEME: THE WAY OF THE CROSS

6. Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

7. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

8. Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!

9. For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings.

10. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!_

11. _To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

12. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13. when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.

TOPIC: FOOLS FOR CHRIST.

Walking like Jesus contradicts the law of nature and those who do so are often perceived as foolish. The Corinthian Christians were full of themselves, but Paul reminded them that they had nothing to boast about. Boasting is rooted in the pride that regards one person as better than another. Paul urged the believer to be willing to be foolish, weak and dishonoured for the sake of Christ. The apostles themselves suffered mockery, hunger, maltreatment and death. Christian humility is lacking in the church today. Most leaders want to be recognised and honoured and worshipped just like the temporal leaders. This is contrary to the way of the cross. Are you willing to be a “fool for Christ’s sake”? Evaluate yourself today!

REFLECTION:

Be a fool for Christ.

Dear Lord, help me to endure all for your sake. Amen.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING PLAN: RUTH 1-4.