Where Is the Debater of This Age?
“Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men,” 1 Corinthians 1:20-25.
To find wisdom is an excellent thing, and to get it far surpasses any acquisition of gold or silver. Many in this life have studied to become learned in their profession, whatever it may be.
They have piled up debt to earn degrees in fields of science, medicine, law, or a myriad of other content areas. And yet we know that Jesus chose His disciples not from their great learning and degrees, but saw in them a heart and mind that would follow after Him.
It is not necessarily a bad thing to be able to debate with others, for in so doing one sharpens the others just like iron does with iron. But when our dialogue begins to dispute petty things over theological matters that are minor, then we have left the path of wisdom.
God hasn’t necessarily chosen the wise, but those who follow Him and know Him deeply, will develop a wisdom that far exceeds any wisdom of this age. The knowledge and wisdom of this age is about things, and the learning in them helps one to acquire skills or abilities to excel in one’s given profession.
And yet, even the wisdom of this age that purports about life and its attributes, becomes in the end, an empty philosophy. It is like a hollow log that only has empty space in it; for it doesn’t embrace or include the person that many of us have come to know.
Following after an idea or a philosophy, may give one the semblance of wisdom, but a mere idea cannot save you, nor give you everlasting life.
It may or may not help you in your dealings with others, or keep you safe in a world filled full of darkness and evil. In the long run, you may well have acquired an idea, but it will only give you more sorrow and leave you with emptiness.
The idea of believing and following after a man who died and rose again for us, may well appear to be folly to others. Many may well consider those who believe like this to be fools.
But when the waters rise and the mountains fall into the sea, would you rather follow an idea that cannot save you, or trust in the wings of the Almighty?
Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson
Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?