Universal Utterings®
for September 7, 2024

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09-07-2024 1 Corinthians 4 V-0916 Me Imitate We Bless When Ridiculed

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First Letter to the Corinthians 4 v-9 thru 16

9 For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. 10 We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless 12 and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world’s rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment. 14 I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me.

This passage presents an agonizing reflection on the life and mission of the apostles, contrasting their experiences with the ideals of worldly success and wisdom. The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church to emphasize the humility, suffering, and sacrifices that characterize true apostleship. He begins by stating that the apostles have been made a spectacle to the world, angels, and humanity—a powerful image suggesting that their lives are both a demonstration of faith and a public display of vulnerability.

In verses 10-13, Paul elaborates on the paradox of the apostles' existence. They are viewed as fools for Christ’s sake, yet they possess true wisdom; they are weak, yet they are strong; they are dishonored, yet they are glorified in their commitment to the Gospel. This inversion of values challenges the Corinthians, who may have been influenced by the prevailing culture that celebrated power, status, and self-promotion. Paul’s portrayal of the apostles as underdogs serves as a reminder that God often works through the humble and the marginalized.

Furthermore, Paul’s tone shifts from description to personal appeal in verse 14, where he expresses his intent not to shame them but to teach them as beloved children. He emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior and faith, as he urges them to imitate him. This call to imitation highlights the relational aspect of discipleship, where leaders are to embody the teachings of Christ in their lives. This passage underscores the radical nature of the Christian faith, which often defies societal norms. It invites believers to embrace humility and to find strength in their weaknesses, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives and communities as Disciples of Christ. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

09-07-2024 1 Corinthian 4 V-0916

**Me Imitate We Bless When Ridiculed**

In the arena, we stand, a sight to behold,

A spectacle to the world, both brave and bold.

Fools for Christ, we embrace the scorn,

In weakness, His strength, our spirits reborn.

We labor in love, though weary and worn,

With hearts full of hope, through trials we’re torn.

Dishonored by many, yet honored by One,

In the shadow of suffering, our race has begun.

The wise may deride, the mighty may sneer,

But in humble submission, we persevere.

For the strength of our Savior flows deep in our veins,

Through loss and through heartache, His love still remains.

As children we gather, in light and in grace,

Imitating the path that our Father does trace.

With each gentle word, and each act of care,

We echo His presence, in joy and despair.

So let us unite, in the truth we embrace,

To carry the message, to run in His race.

For in weakness, we find the power to stand,

With faith as our anchor, held firm in His hand.

O Corinthians, hear this call from the heart,

In trials and troubles, we’ll never depart.

For in every struggle, His glory is shown,

In the depths of our journey, we’re never alone. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 7, 2024 @ 04:59 AM EST

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