Wisdom and the Fool

'It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We’re something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We’re the Messiah’s misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we’re mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don’t have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, “God bless you.” When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We’re treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture’s kitchen. And it’s not getting any better.' 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 (MSG)

Some, especially the Apostles, were called to greater suffering than others. It does make one consider what a gift that they gave us by enduring it all so that we might share in the benefits of the glorious Gospel. It encourages us to continue on with patience in our own calling. We are fools for Christ.

For in that Way we are made a spectacle and our very lives are on display. Some will stand around and stare at us in the hopes of catching a glimpse of some fall or some accident. And don't our sin accidents have many eye witness reporters? With many first hand news reports coming from the world. The world as judge and jury. 'There you have it, she isn't the Christian she thinks she is.' The world as the observer. 'Looks like she is backsliding again'. The world being dismissive. 'I guess she does this type of thing often'.
 
Yes, we realize that our lives are on display. We are weak, but we know that Jesus is strong. Yes, we know that the Apostles had it worse and the fact that we can catch a glimpse of what they had to endure for us makes us appreciate their wisdom and devotion to see it through to the end even more. We must be prepared to be kicked around and know how to be content in the Lord through it all. The poverty, the doors slammed in our faces, the name calling and rumors are all part of it and we know that He equips those that He calls. Though the world may hate us, they hated Jesus more. He blessed them. We are precious to Him. He intercedes for us all. We are wise in Him. Just stay faithful. We are fools for Christ's sake!

Source: 'Drummingthemessagehome', May 24, 2020 blog post.