The Foolishness of God

God is not above being called a fool. In fact, scripture often portrays God as foolish. Just think of the story of the prodigal son when the father (of all persons) runs like a silly man down the road to embrace his smelly, lost son - talk about having no self-respect! And yet, God is that foolish.

The core of the gospel - God willing to die for humans - has often been thought of as foolish. Scripture even calls it such. Listen in to these strange words:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… To those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. - 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24-25

God’s weakness (think, the gentleness of Jesus) is stronger than all our power plays. God’s foolishness (think, Jesus descending from heaven to be with messy us) is wiser than all our political games. It’s like stepping outside into a glorious sunset after being stuck on a computer screen all day - the simplicity and goodness and beauty can be overwhelming, even though just gazing upwards may not seem to compare to the ‘important’ work we were doing all day.

Take some time to think about how you have experienced the foolishness of God and the weakness of God as good news. Spend some time giving thanks.