A Great Reveal
Without context, 1 Corinthians 2:9 could seem like Paul was referencing heaven. And while it’s true that our human minds have never seen, heard, or imagined the magnitude or magnificence of what God has planned for eternity, Paul’s message had a different point.
Paul was contrasting man’s wisdom with God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-8), he clarifies that only the Holy Spirit can reveal God’s mysterious plan. Without the Spirit, we are blind, deaf, and incapable of comprehending His power. Without the Spirit, His wisdom seems foolish to even “the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters” (1 Corinthians 1:20).
It takes the Spirit of God to reveal the mysteries of God.
Only the Holy Spirit can divulge what was previously hidden—what cannot be seen with human eyes, heard with human ears, or imagined with human minds.
And Jesus Christ is the mysterious plan, hope in the flesh, and the long-awaited Messiah who has come to rescue His people, “In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). And because His Spirit now dwells inside of His people, we can also “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
So don’t forget: “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Luke 13
“There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: ...
Living in God’s Love
Have you ever met someone who was exceptionally kind and caring?
Good friends are like this—welcoming, eager to know how you’re doing, giving their undivided attention. A good friend reminds us who we are. They listen to everything, the good and the bad, with compassion and love.
God is a friend like this. He listens. He empathizes. He cares so much and is kind in His responses. In fact, God does more than just show love—He is love. It is impossible for Him to be anything else because love is His very essence. His love is pure. It isn’t selfish, disengaged, bitter, resentful, or passive. We can trust this kind of love. We can trust God.
In 1 John 4:16, we find a beautiful reminder of what life with God is like: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
How do you feel after you’ve spent time with a good friend? Maybe you feel more relaxed, you have a spring in my step, or you find ...