“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1Corinthians 1:19-21 KJV)
There we were in the fifth row from the back wall, in the Chapel’s balcony, but we were inside. The Chapel was packed literally from the pulpit to the back wall. There was no more room in the balcony and the foyer was “standing-room-only.”
It was the annual preaching lecture series and dynamic preachers from across the South were in attendance. Preachers from every culture and tradition sat in rapt attention as renowned expository pulpiteer, Dr. Haddon Robinson challenged us with his message, Every Victory Comes From A Grave.
Dr. Robinson’s basic thesis was that we must die to self and the world’s influences in order to gain the victory that Christ wants us to enjoy. I have never forgotten that sermon. It was a powerful and memorable challenge. Over the years I have reviewed this sermon and thought about it carefully.
On Sunday mornings, like many folks, I want to turn over and go back to sleep. It seems that Sunday morning sleep is the best there is! Of course, by the first greeting and the first chorus , I don’t regret going church and worship service. My tiredness is replaced by the joy and strength of the Lord. My grumbling spirit is transformed by heartfelt praise. My dragging feet are renewed with the spring of excitement.
And the anointing for the morning sermon — the victory of preaching — arose from the grave of preparation. O what death the preacher suffers! The humiliation of having to study. The dependence through prayer and fasting. The continual dying as one waits for God to bring life to the message he gives for his people.
Dear Father, thank you for your wisdom and the victory that goes with it. Empower me to immerse myself in the grave of Christ’s victory. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and of good courage today and please our Lord,