However, when we are among mature people, we do speak a message of wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world or of the rulers of this world, who are passing off the scene. Instead, we speak about God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden, which God destined for our glory before the world began. None of the rulers of this world understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
1 Corinthians 2:6-8
Who were these rulers? The traditional view is that they were the human rulers of the day — the chief priests, Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas—those who conspired to put Jesus to death (Acts 4:27). If they had known he was the Son of God they would not have crucified him. I don’t believe that is what Paul meant. I think Paul’s thought was way higher than that and far more biblical.
This could have been the shortest Gem on record. But I will add this: it is a digression but I think an important one to explain what I am on about with these Gems I do each day. It takes an effort on my part to provide you with these Gems. You might as well know the full story. My purpose is not only to give input to the Biblical text that is deeper than what is around at the moment. As I have told you before I am concerned about Scripture Use. This is to be the new focus of Tania’s and my ministry into the future. I am concerned about the shallowness of preaching and approach to Sripture in the modern church. Even more so when the Emerging Church concept is to gear everything to the seeker and keep it light and fluffy. What about depth for the saint to provide for what Jesus commanded us to do? Jesus did not tell us to go into all the word and preach the Gospel. He did not tell us to go into all the world and plant churches, especially seeker friendly churches. What he actually told us was go into all the world and MAKE DISCIPLES. How do you make disciples unless they have the manual and know it. How can you make disciples unless they go deep?
Further more He added something else – “teaching them to do all that I have commanded you”. Question: how on earth do you teach them all He commanded without the manual in their language or without paying careful attention to the manual of life? That is what I am on about. That is why Scripture Use is to be a focus for us for the future. Probably till I stop breathing. [You don’t need references for these verses – YOU KNOW THEM. They are very familiar to us all. But so often they are misinterpreted.]
Why didn’t I just stop above and not give you any more on the “rulers of this world”? Because I am not interested in spoon feeding you. I am more interested in encouraging you to dig for yourselves. When you catch the thrill of finding deep things in the Word of God it will provide impetus and give you passion for His Word. Now that is something that touches my button and gives me a reason to get up each morning. Go use all the means I have taught you so far to find out about what Paul means by the “rulers of this world”.
The one who saved your soul longs to remake your heart. His plan is nothing short of a total transformation.
Max Lucado
Submission to Christ without submission to the Scriptures is submission to a self-made Christ, not submission to Christ.
John Piper
No matter what side of an argument you are on, you always find people on your side that you wish were on the other.
Jascha Heifetz