We are fools for Christ’s sake: Not just on April 1

This morning as I completed my Bible reading for the day, I read the account of David who was being pursued by King Saul who was seeking to kill him. As he escaped, David encountered King Achish of Gath, the leader of the Philistines whom David had previously defeated when he killed Goliath. When  David realized he was in enemy territory, he “pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.” King Achish responded, “Must you bring me a madman? We already have enough of them around here. Why should I let someone like this be my guest?” ( 1 Samuel 19:12-15 NLT). Most remarkably, King David escapes from the clutches of the enemy by “playing the fool.”

This passage reminds me of a previous blog entry which I revised and reposted on April Fool’s Day, 2023.

The story is told of a man who wore a sandwich board in New York City as he walked the streets. On the front written in bold letters was this statement:  “I’m a fool for Christ’s  sake!”  People passed and chuckled or snickered, but they changed their expressions when they turned around to read the back of the sign which asked,  “Whose fool are you?”

This story brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul who reminds believers: “We are fools for Christ’s sake.”

The lyrics to the chorus of the popular song “Everybody Plays the Fool” also remind us of this truth:

Everybody plays the fool sometime

There’s no exception to the rule

Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel

I ain’t lyin’, everybody plays the fool

Since everybody plays the fool sometime in life and in love, many of us have decided that, like the gentleman in New York, we will be fools  for Christ’s sake, since the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men,” so say the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 1:25).

As the weeks unfold leading up to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we encounter a situation that contrasts the ways of men who purport themselves to be wise, and the ways of God who uses foolishness to confound the wise:

“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. For it is written:  “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

The whole idea of being a “fool for Christ’s sake” on April Fool’s Day reminds me of this poetic portrait written in the form a “mad song”:

My Mad Song

We are fools for Christ’s sake,

but you are wise in Christ!

We are weak, but ye are strong!

You are distinguished, but we are dishonored.

I Corinthians 4:10

I am stark raving mad as a gitsy;

I am insane and crazy as a loon.

Though my voice is stronger,

My lyrics are wronger.

My mad song is plainly out of tune

(But all the while I smile).

I am a rare and bizarre exception

Who loves to laugh out loud and cry.

My mind borders hysterical

Each day I see a miracle.

I live on earth with my home in the sky

(And all the while I smile).

I make my point with certainty–

Another fact that clearly shows

That I am deceived or naiver,

With the mind of a child, a believer

Who knows that he knows that he knows

(Why all the while I smile).

So I still dream my dreams and live

My life in such a simple style.

The world wants to eat me for supper,

But I just laugh and keep the upper

Hand and keep walking mile by mile

(As all the while I smile).

They call me kook, fanatic, and fool

Because of my peculiar knack.

Some folks think me still odder

Because I talk with God, my Father,                                

And furthermore, yes, He talks back

(And all the while I smile).

All of this is food for thought on April Fool’s Day, 2023.

Helen Yousaf closes this music reminder: “Fools for Christ”:

Celebrating the Resurrection on April Fools’ Day

Each year Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion on Easter or Resurrection Sunday. Known as a “movable feast,” this commemoration always takes place on a Sunday, but each year that actual date varies based on calculations related to the settings of the moon. Most amazingly this year, Easter or “Resurrection Sunday”, occurs on April 1 or April Fools’ Day. While some may say the occurrence is odd, others say the connection is most appropriate. With this situation we note the distinction between the ways of men who purport themselves to be wise, and the ways of God who uses foolishness to confound the wise.

The focal point of the celebration is the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ whom God raised from the dead following his crucifixion on the cross and his burial. Paul notes these two contrasting views:

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

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. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Indeed, in the eyes of the world, the cross of Jesus Christ does not make sense; it is pure foolishness to the human mind. Those who believe the message of the cross are the biggest fools on earth, so unbelievers say.

In a previous blog post on April Fools’ Day, the story is told of a man who wore a sandwich board in New York City as he walked the streets. On the front written in bold letters was this statement: “I’m a fool for Christ’s sake!” People passed and chuckled or snickered, but they changed their expressions when they turned around to read the back of the sign which asked, “Whose fool are you?” This story reminds believers that, like the Apostle Paul, “We are fools for Christ’s sake.”

The lyrics to the chorus of the popular song “Everybody Plays the Fool” also come to mind:

Everybody plays the fool sometime
There’s no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I ain’t lyin’, everybody plays the fool

Since everybody plays the fool sometime in life and in love, many have decided that, like the gentleman in New York, we will be a fool for Christ’s sake, since “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

The overall message makes known Jesus Christ’s mighty triumph over his foes– sin, every disease and its devastating consequences–even death itself. This demonstration of the power and the wisdom of God makes celebrating the resurrection on April Fools’ Day even more meaningful.

We close as Helen Yousaf encourages believers to be “Fools for Christ”:

Whose fool are you?

The Verse of the Day for April 1, 2017 is found in Psalm 14:1 in the New Living Translation:

[Psalm 14] [For the choir director: A psalm of David.] Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

The NLT offers the same rendering of the Psalm 53:1:

1 Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does go

The Verse of the Day also brings to mind that April 1 is known as April Fool’s Day. The Book of Proverbs provides striking portraits of those who act as “fools” and those who “walk in wisdom” as “the wise.” The Apostle Paul likewise points out the distinction between the wisdom of men and foolishness of God in light of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, described in this way:

1 Corinthians 1:23-25 (NLT):

23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Paul goes on to remind believers: “We are fools for Christ’s sake.”

The story is told of a man who wore a sandwich board in New York City as he walked the streets. On the front written in bold letters was this statement: “I’m a fool for Christ’s sake!” People passed and chuckled or snickered, but they changed their expressions when they turned around to read the back of the sign which asked, “Whose fool are you?”

The lyrics to the chorus of the popular song “Everybody Plays the Fool” also remind us of this truth:

Everybody plays the fool sometime
There’s no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I ain’t lyin’, everybody plays the fool

Since everybody plays the fool sometime in life and in love, many have decided that, like the gentleman in New York, we will be a fool for Christ’s sake, since the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger that men,” so say the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Most assuredly here is a situation where we note the distinction between the ways of men who purport themselves to be wise, and the ways of God who uses foolishness to confound the wise:

“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. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

The whole idea of being a “fool for Christ’s sake” on April Fools’ Day evokes this portrait:

My Madsong

We are fools for Christ’s sake,
but you are wise in Christ!
We are weak, but ye are strong!
You are distinguished, but we are dishonored.
I Corinthians 4:10

I am stark raving mad as a gitsy;
I am insane and crazy as a loon.
Though my voice is stronger,
My lyrics are wronger.
My madsong is plainly out of tune
(But all the while I smile).

I am a rare and bizarre exception
Who loves to laugh out loud and cry.
My mind borders hysterical;
Each day I see a miracle.
I live on earth with my home in the sky
(And all the while I smile).

I make my point with certainty–
Another fact which clearly shows
That I am deceived or naiver,
With the mind of a child, a believer
Who knows that he knows that he knows
(Why all the while I smile).

So I still dream my dreams and live
My life in such a simple style.
The world wants to eat me for supper,
But I just laugh and keep the upper
Hand and keep walking mile by mile
(As all the while I smile)

They call me kook, fanatic and fool
Because of my peculiar knack.
Folks think me still odder
Because I talk with God, my Father,
And furthermore, yes, He talks back
(And all the while I smile).

On April Fools’ Day and every day, our desire is to walk in “The Perfect Wisdom of God:”

All of this provides more food for thought on April Fool’s Day, 2017.

On April 1, 2015: Whose fool are you?

Apropos of April 1, 2015 or April Fools’ Day, the Verse of the Day is taken from Psalm 14:1 (KJV):

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

The same sentiment is expressed in Psalm 53:1:

The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

In Romans 1:18-22, Paul speaks of those who hold such unrighteous beliefs in their heart:

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

¹⁹ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

²⁰ For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

²¹ Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

²² Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

At times it may appear that those who would pass themselves off as wise but in their foolish hearts believe that there is no God hold the upper hand and dominate in every facet of society, but believers are to be encouraged and assured that God is in control. Clearly the wisdom of God is far greater than the foolishness of men.

The story is told of a man who wore a sandwich board in New York City as he walked the streets. On the front written in bold letters was this statement: “I’m a fool for Christ’s sake!” People passed and chuckled or snickered, but they changed their expressions when they turned around to read the back of the sign which asked, “Whose fool are you?”

The Verse of the Day also brings to mind that today is April Fools’ Day, as we recall the words of the Apostle Paul who reminds believers: “We are fools for Christ’s sake.”

The lyrics to the chorus of the popular song “Everybody Plays the Fool” also remind us of this truth:

Everybody plays the fool sometime

There’s no exception to the rule

Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel

I ain’t lyin’, everybody plays the fool

Since everybody plays the fool sometime in life and in love, many have decided that, like the gentleman in New York, we will be a fool for Christ’s sake, since the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger that men,” so say the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Most assuredly here is a situation where we note the distinction between the ways of men who purport themselves to be wise, and the ways of God who uses foolishness to confound the wise:

“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.

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)

The whole idea of being a “fool for Christ’s sake” on April Fools’ Day evokes this poetic portrait:

My Madsong

We are fools for Christ’s sake,

but you are wise in Christ!

We are weak, but ye are strong!

You are distinguished, but we are dishonored.

I Corinthians 4:10

I am stark raving mad as a gitsy;

I am insane and crazy as a loon.

Though my voice is stronger,

My lyrics are wronger.

My madsong is plainly out of tune

(But all the while I smile).

I am a rare and bizarre exception

Who loves to laugh outloud and cry.

My mind borders hysterical;

Each day I see a miracle.

I live on earth with my home in the sky

(And all the while I smile).

I make my point with certainty–

Another fact which clearly shows

That I am deceived or naiver,

With the mind of a child, a believer

Who knows that he knows that he knows

(Why all the while I smile).

So I still dream my dreams and live

My life in such a simple style.

The world wants to eat me for supper,

But I just laugh and keep the upper

Hand and keep walking mile by mile

(As all the while I smile).

They call me kook, fanatic and fool

Because of my peculiar knack.

Folks think me still odder

Because I talk with God, my Father,

And furthermore, yes, He talks back

(And all the while I smile).

This year April first occurs on the Wednesday before Resurrection Sunday. To add to the irony, some Bible scholars believe that Jesus Christ was actually crucified on Wednesday rather than the traditional belief that he died on Friday, which has been recognized as “Good Friday.” All of this is food for thought on Wednesday, April Fools’ Day, 2015.