It would be hard to find a scene that drips with more irony than the one we find at Calvary. What is Jesus doing on a cross?  The cross is a symbol of shame, condemnation, failure, and weakness! Why does Jesus promise citizenship in Heaven to an undeserving thief hanging on the cross next to him? How is it possible that the High Priest of Israel, Caiaphas, would plot the death of Israel’s Messiah? The characters all appear to be bizarrely miscast.

There is an important spiritual lesson to be learned from these ironic scenes. When it comes to the distribution of God’s grace, do not assume anything, and be prepared for a paradox.   

The Bible is a unique and special Book. It is drastically different from any other “sacred book.” The Bible contains “God’s thoughts” which are mysterious and yet marvelous spiritual teachings. Among the true spiritual teachings are paradoxes. A Paradox is defined as a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. 

There are many paradoxes in Scripture.  To some, biblical paradoxes may seem somewhat ridiculous even though the very words of God were written for our learning and understanding. In this series, we will look into the Great Bible Paradoxes which are truly amazing.  

Schedule:

Sunday, September 20: EXALTATION THROUGH HUMILITY (James 4:10)

Sunday, September 27: STRENGTH THROUGH WEAKNESS (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Sunday, October 11: RECEIVING THROUGH GIVING (Acts 20:35) 

Sunday, October 18: FREEDOM THROUGH SERVITUDE (Romans 6:18)

Sunday, October 25: GAINING THROUGH LOSING (Philippians 3:7-8)

Sunday, November 1: LIVING THROUGH DYING (John 12:24)

Sunday, November 8: FINDING THROUGH LOSING (Matthew 10:39)

May God bless each of you!

-NLCWC