The Foolish & Weak

The Foolish & Weak
written by Chris Baker

Billy Graham is a name with which most are familiar. The Los Angeles Campaign of 1949 would set Billy on a journey he could never have imagined. Billy Graham became an overnight sensation during that campaign. From that point on, the Billy Graham Crusades would gather crowds of thousands upon thousands of people. Do you know what Billy’s response was to the fame? “I’m just a humble country preacher.” Friends of his said that he was old fashioned and took the Bible too literally. However, God used this humble man to witness to millions upon millions during his lifetime. In the mind of Billy Graham, he was just a simple country preacher. 

The Apostle Paul was a very wise man who was formerly a Pharisee. He was well educated, a Jew by birth, was zealous for killing the church but then God changed his heart. Paul met Jesus and everything changed. Jesus became all that mattered to Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Paul said that he simply preached Christ crucified. Meaning, he preached the Gospel. He did not try to get in front of the Greeks, who demanded wisdom, and preach wise crafty sermons. He preached Christ crucified. Paul said that God uses the foolish things of this world to shame the wise. Paul says, “God was pleased through the foolishness that was preached to save those who believe” (NIV).  

In my experience, I have seen many intelligent people struggle to believe the Bible. It seems foolish to them. Jesus said that we must approach our faith like little children. Have you ever watched a little child believe something? They don’t take much convincing, they just believe! That does not mean the Bible has to be dumbed down. Furthermore, we should have deep intellectual discussions about the Bible with one another. I think this pleases God as we seek to understand and unpack the hidden truths of Scripture. Do not feel as though you have to win people over with your compelling arguments. Rather, preach Christ crucified. The Holy Spirit is the one that transforms hearts, not you! 

The Church, the bride of Christ, is called to make disciples. Many will find the Gospel to be foolish. Do not let this intimidate you. The Holy Spirit will open their eyes to Jesus, you just need to keep spreading the seed of the Gospel. God chooses the weak and foolish things of this world to bring Him glory. 

Before I had a relationship with Jesus, I found it difficult to comprehend information. It did not matter how long I studied, I could never remember the information. That all changed when I met Jesus. I quickly found that, as I began to read the Word of God, I could remember what I read! The Word began to change me, it began to renew my mind. I am not a smart person by any means, but God uses me to spread His Gospel. He chose me! He chose a foolish, weak person of this world to spread the Good News of His Gospel! Praise be to God! 

I used to be intimated by those who were smarter than me, who had a better education. However, I do not have to worry about that anymore because God chose me. This was not of my doing but His. Therefore, I can boast in the Lord for the great things He has done! Verse 31 says, “let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (NIV). 

Just preach Jesus my friends! Preach the Gospel at work, school, community and to whoever will listen. Remember who you were before Christ, and where you came from. Remember that our righteousness, holiness, and redemption are found in Christ and Christ alone!  Therefore, boast in Christ and in His mighty strength.