Rabbi’s Reflections – Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Shalom,
I want to write today on what the Bible has to say about foolishness. I hope this will turn out to be a series of RRs. The Bible actually has much to say about fools and foolishness. So much raw material and so little time. In fact, if this subject itself makes you squirm in your seat, all the better. If it doesn’t, you may be missing the point.
Rabbi Trail: I am aware there are some fools who subscribe to the RR. By writing about fools, I am risking an offense. So let me say right now, I have no particular person or persons in mind as I write this. If you are offended by my writing, because you are a fool, you’ve just proved my point. End RT.
Despite all its negative press, there is something positive about being a fool. Paul writes to the Corinthians about his sad estate. 1 Corinthians 4:11 To this very hour we are both hungry and thirsty, dressed in rags and mistreated and homeless. But just before that, he describes his condition as… 1 Corinthians 4:10a We are fools for Messiah’s sake.
What is a fool? I’ve thought about it. I’ve studied it. And this is my conclusion…. A fool is a person who makes decisions that have an adverse personal affect. In other words, a fool makes decisions that are self destructive.
Paul is speaking of the capital “A” Apostles and also some little “a” apostles, who have made decisions that are self-destructive, but… for Messiah’s sake.
Rabbi Trail: Paul himself is a little “a” apostle. There are 12 capital “A” Apostles, and many little “a” apostles who have demonstrated an anointing to set people into ministry and further grow the kingdom of God by establishing communities of believers. End RT.
Paul explains what he means… 1 Corinthians 4:12b When we are cursed, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure. 13 When we are slandered, we speak kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the dregs of all things—even to this moment. What appears as foolishness to the world, is actually wisdom in the kingdom of God, and vice versa. Earlier in 1 Corinthians, Paul states that both are true.
1 Corinthians 1:18 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.
1 Corinthians 3:19a For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God.
I haven’t written it yet, but I hope you will read the next installment in this series on foolishness.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue 28-Dec-2021 24th of Tevet, 5782
Ex 6:29-7:7 2 Sa 12 Ps 79 Lk 8:1-25 (Eph 1)
Week 1
Memory Verse: Genesis 1:27 God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.
1 12/27 Monday: Genesis 1-2
2 12/28 Tuesday: Genesis 3-4
3 12/29 Wednesday: Genesis 6-7
4 12/30 Thursday: Genesis 8-9
5 12/31 Friday: Job 1-2